The Retail Industry Leaders Association, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Safe Kids Worldwide and The Toy Association joined together to promote toy safety and smart purchasing practices.
The collaboration is providing consumer guidance and toy safety shopping tips to elevate awareness during the year's shopping season.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of a child,” says Kathleen McGuigan, senior vice president of RILA. Toy purchasers are urged o “check out before they check out” – follow safety guidance, heed the age grade listed on packaging, and buy from retailers you know and trust.
The coalition issued the following tips:
Check the label: Follow age guidance and other safety information on packaging (age grading is based on safety concerns and on the developmental appropriateness for children).
Avoid toys with small parts, as well as marbles and small balls, for children under the age of three.
Ensure that stuffed toys have age-appropriate features such as embroidered or secured eyes and noses for younger children and seams that are reinforced to withstand an older child's play.
Be careful with magnets: High-powered magnet sets are a safety risk to children – toddler through teen. Children have swallowed loose magnets, causing serious intestinal injuries.
Choose toys that match your child's interests and abilities as well as your family's play environment.
Get safety gear. With scooters and other riding toys, be sure to include helmets. Helmets should be worn properly at all times, and they should be sized to fit.