January 05, 2009

Health Tip: Help Prevent Toy Injuries

(HealthDay News) -- Toys are associated with thousands of injuries every year, mostly because of misuse or because the toys are too advanced for the children playing with them.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions to help reduce your child's risk of injury when playing with toys:

• Never let your child play with a toy that is not safe or appropriate for his or her age. Before your child plays with a new toy, always read the label and safety instructions.
• Watch your child to make sure toys are used appropriately.
• Make sure your child uses toys in appropriate settings. For example, keep bikes and wheeled toys away from stairs.
• If you have an older child, keep those toys away from younger children.
• Inspect your child's toys frequently for damage that may injure your child, and be aware of toy recalls.
• Check your young child's toys with a "small parts tester," which can evaluate possible choking hazards.

-- Diana Kohnle

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