Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Nobody ever thinks they are buying hazardous toys for the holidays. But what if you were?

If you are shopping for children this holiday season, you may want to do some research before making those toy purchases. The World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H) has put out their most recent report about 2017’s most hazardous toys. To see the list of the toys, click here.

Here are some quick tips to generally avoid buying hazardous toys:

  1. Try Not to Buy Online – W.A.T.C.H. reports that consumers will be spending 51% of their holiday shopping budget on online purchases. If toys are part of those purchases, buyers should be extra cautious. Make sure to read reviews about the toys from reliable sources. Look at where the toys are made. Make sure the toy you are buying does not have small parts that can cause choking or areas that can create an electric shock. With limited information on internet-based stores, toy descriptions may be misleading or missing critical details. Always purchase toys in store if possible.
  2. Check the Packaging – Not only can toys be hazardous, but the packaging that the toys come in can be equally as dangerous. Inspect the package to make sure it is secure before wrapping it and check to ensure sharp edges are covered to prevent cuts while opening. Do not let children open toys themselves, instead, offer your assistance and help open all packaging properly.
  3. Read the Instructions and the Warnings – Some toys look safe in appearance, but once the instructions are read about using them, more dangers can arise. Toys that need batteries are hazardous because they can cause burns. Toys that have string or rope can cause strangulation. All instructions should be read by adults and children before playing with new toys is allowed. Make sure to inform your children of the dangers new toys can cause if they are not careful.
  4. Always Be Observant – With young children, especially, it is very important to keep an eye on them while playing with new devices. They may not remember all of the safety precautions they were warned about. Additionally, young children are creative and inventive and they might begin doing things with hazardous toys that they are not supposed to do. Keeping watch over young children with new toys should be top priority over the holidays.

Of course, some toys are going to end up in your children’s hands this holiday season. However, it is up to you to make sure you do thorough research while purchasing toys, invest time in monitoring play time, and teach your children to be careful with new toys. This way your holidays can be full of cheer and happiness and not hazardous toys!