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A Message from Sanders, Sanders & Block on Toy Safety

Everyone loves to buy new toys for the children on their holiday shopping lists. Choosing the right toy, however, is not child's play. For example, if you buy a toy not designed for the child's age, it could result in serious injury to the child. Injury could also result from unsafe toys. In 1989, the Johns Hopkins Injury Prevention Center reported over 148,000 toy-related injuries.

According to the 1989 Toy Report, published by the Consumer Affairs Committee (CAC) in Washington, DC, toys are not always made with safety in mind. Although safety standards exist, they are not mandatory and often are not followed.

If you have question, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772 to find out which toys have recently been recalled. Also, remember to take the following CAC safety list along to the store.

Do not rely on manufacturer's age recommendations. Examine each toy closely to decide whether it's safe and appropriate for the child. Look for flame retardant/resistant fabrics; non-toxic painted toys; and machine washable stuffed and cloth toys.
Do not assume that toys featuring popular characters are safe.
Avoid excessively noisy toys. Loud noises can cause hearing loss.
If you buy a bicycle or other riding toy, make sure someone will always be there to supervise the child. Left alone, young children may ride into a busy street, down stairs or even into a swimming pool.
Beware of impulse items in checkout lines. Often cheap and quick to fall apart, they can end up costing parents a bundle in hospital bills.
Beware of toys that look like candy or other food.
Always read and follow directions to assure the toy is assembled (and used) properly.
Be tough on a toy before a child is:
- Make sure rattles are strong and won't come apart.
- Test all buttons, bells and stuffed animal eyes to make sure they won't pull off.
- Make sure squeakers or whistles on squeeze toys cannot be pulled off.
Do not buy darts, lawn darts, projectiles, air rifles or guns. These toys are among the most dangerous for children.

If your child is seriously injured because a toy was not made properly, the manufacturer maybe held liable. Call us to learn about your legal rights.

Kids will be kids. They love to put everything in their mouths, noses, eyes and ears. They do not know that sharp edges or pointed objects can hurt. They do not know that marbles, rubber bands, balloons, batteries or a doll's button can choke them. That is why it is up to us to make sure the toys children play with are safe.

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