PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 27, 2014
For parents here in Arizona and for parents everywhere, the most difficult aspect of choosing toys for our children is the on-the-fly (in store) safety assessments we’re required to engage in. To lend parents a helping hand in that area, Scottsdale Early Learning Center Executive Director Jennifer Werner recently weighed in on the subject and offered an easy to remember set rules, designed to make safe toy selection just a bit easier for the parents of preschool age children.
“Despite ongoing efforts from larger toy manufacturers and from the federal government to a better job of ensuring that the toys on market are safe for our children, a variety of hazardous features continue to slip through the cracks and onto shelves,” Werner said. “That means, it’s up to parents to evaluate each toy for safety before buying it. That’s why I decided to jot down the following guidelines for choosing safe toys.”
First, don’t select toys with the following features:
- Sharp edges: Poorly constructed toys often have sharp edges. So if you see them it’s a bad sign
- Sharp points: broken toys and pins or staples on doll’s clothes and accessories may expose sharp point which can puncture a child
- Small parts: Small toys or big toys with small removable parts that can be swallowed or become lodged in a child’s, ears or nose. This is especially special important to remember if you have a toddles.
Second, avoid toys that have these features:
- Loud noises: Caps and even noise-making guns that can reach levels which can damage hearing
- Propelled objects: Non foam projectiles-guided missiles and other flying toys can be turned into weapons.
To which Werner added “Parents with preschool aged children will want to avoid selecting toys which have long strings attached to them because of strangulation hazard.”
Third, be a label reader:
- Make sure that you only purchasing toys recommended for your child’s age. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for labels such as: ‘non toxic’ or ‘washable/hygienic materials’ when buying stuffed toys. If you’re considering an electronic toy for your child, make sure that it has a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal which indicates that its electrical parts have been inspected for safety.
Fourth, stay up-to-date on toy recalls by:
- Regularly checking the “news” websites your Local TV stations
- Setting up a Google alert for the term “Toy Recall”
Fifth, teach your children proper toy use by:
- Explaining the do and don’ts regarding the use of each toy to your child
- Making sure that your child knows to give you their toys away when they are broken
- Telling your child to care for their toys so that they do not get broken and to put toys away after playtime
Werner concluded her advice to parents by saying “Finally, nothing works better than adult supervision during playtime so that ‘accidents in waiting’ can be spotted and headed off. By following these guidelines, injuries can be prevented and most importantly children can enjoy the fun and safe play.”
ABOUT THE SCOTTSDALE EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Small Miracles’ Scottsdale ELC offers parents and children alike a wonders-filled preschool environment. It’s the first daycare center in Phoenix with a curriculum specifically designed to instill a positive consciousness and modern worldview with a family-friendly atmosphere. By affirmatively embracing each child’s unique talents and dreams, and armed with the belief that that each child has unlimited potential to contribute to their community, the early learning center’s educators strive to facilitate the optimal growth and development of the children in their care.
Whether parents require a full time preschool or are looking for part-time daycare, the staff at Small Miracles’ Scottsdale Early Leaning Center will always do their best to accommodate them. They welcome opportunities to show off their exceptional childcare facilities, so if you’re a parent, feel free to contact them or visit them online for more information or to arrange a visit.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Keir Cochran
Small Miracles Preschools
12630 N. 48th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 953-2530
education@smallmiraclesaz.com
