The first thing everyone should think about when choosing toys for children is safety. Dangerous toys for kids are ones that contain small parts which present a choking hazard for children younger than 3. A toy is too small if it fits into a choke test cylinder which has an interior diameter of 1.25 inches and is the approximate size of the fully expanded throat of a child younger than 3. If you don’t have a choke test cylinder, you can use a toilet paper roll. If a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard to small children.
Another choking problem is children swallowing tiny round (button shaped) batteries that can be found in toys with sound as well as greeting cards that play music. The danger is that the batteries can leak acid and eat through a child’s esophagus which can cause life-long damage.
Magnets, without a doubt, are dangerous toys and most have been recalled or labeled to be unsafe toys. Magnets are small and shiny and can cause deadly injuries if a child swallows more than one. When more than one is swallowed they are drawn to each other and can destroy intestinal walls.
So what should you do? Be sure to check to check for recalled toys and periodically check back to the CPSC’s toy recall lists to see if toys previously purchased are now being recalled. If you have more than one child, make sure that their toys are kept separate so that the younger children to not play with toys that are not age appropriate.
Every day, we at Terrell • Hogan, represent victims of personal injury and wrongful death as they seek justice, and lawsuits we have pursued have prompted safety changes. However, that came after the incidents, accidents and injuries happened. We believe it is important to try to help prevent injuries and wrongful deaths. One way is to publish information about recalled toys and dangerous children’s products to help families who are buying toys for their children make sure the toys are safe.
Choking: Knowing the Signs and What to Do
Toy Recall Statistics
Working Across Borders to Protect our Children; North American Collaboration Expands Toy Safety Efforts This Holiday Shopping Season