The holidays are just around the corner and those who have not started on their Christmas list yet would probably end up cramming by December. Parents, and everybody else who have kids on their list, can start scouring the toy stores for gifts to avoid the rush. Cramming or not, one should be smart when it comes to buying toys for kids. Always make sure that the toy is age appropriate and safe for the child to use.
There are plenty of safety concerns that can easily be overlooked once you find irresistible toys on display. These concerns can range from small parts that may cause choking, stuffed animals that may harbor germs and bacteria, or toys with lead content and other harmful chemicals. Always check the labels when buying toys for kids. You can be surprised at how much information you can get by just looking at the logos printed in the toy box. For instance, toys that bear the Lion Mark have complied with the safety and quality standards set by the British Toy and Hobby Association’s (BTHA) code of practice. Other marks of quality are the CE logo and ISO seal or certification. The CE logo proves that the toy is intended for sale in EU and has been tested for compliance with EN71. European toy safety standards embodied in EN71 is among the highest in the world. As for the ISO seals, international standards for toy safety were used as benchmark for testing the toys.
Aside from the testing compliance seals, toy shoppers should also check for warning labels. These are text labels that explain potential danger or harm that may be done with improper handling of toys. For example, choking hazard warnings are commonly found in toys with small parts or inflatable toys like balloons. Warning labels are usually symbolized by a triangle with an exclamation mark inside. It is then followed by the text explaining the hazards that may occur while playing with the toy.
Age-appropriate labels are also important considerations in buying toys for kids, especially for young children. This helps ensure that the toy will be safe enough for them to handle. The CE logo, Lion Mark, and ISO Seal are marks that help consumers gauge the safety of toys. They may be more expensive than other toys, but one cannot put a price on a child’s safety.
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