Posted: 12.03.2010

Most children have just one thing on their mind when it comes to holiday gifts – TOYS! The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds consumers to put safety first when shopping in the toy section this holiday season.

“Always consider the child’s age, interest and abilities when toy shopping,” said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “Read labels carefully and follow the manufacturers’ age recommendations.”

Look for a label (example included in PDF version) that indicates a toy meets the latest toy safety standards known as “ASTM F963”. Since 2009, all toys sold in the U.S. have had to meet this standard. ASTM F963 includes guidelines and test methods to prevent injuries from choking, sharp edges and other potential hazards.

“ASTM D4236” is another label that is important to look for when buying household art materials, such as crayons and paint sets. This label (also included as an example in the PDF attachment) means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist and labeled with cautionary information, if necessary.                          

Consumer Protection urges consumers to follow these additional guidelines when toy shopping:

• Avoid infant toys with long strings or ropes. They can pose strangulation hazards to small children. No string should be longer than six inches in length.
  
• Look for quality design and construction. Poorly constructed toys or those made from cheap materials may break easily and result in dangerous edges or broken pieces.
  
• Select toys with proper safety features and warnings labels.
  
• No toy is complete without proper safety gear. Always give appropriate safety gear – helmets, elbow and knee pads, and other protective gear – with sports-related and wheeled toys.
  
• Avoid no-name products. A manufacturer name and address is not a guarantee of safety, but it means you can track down a legitimate company to remedy problems.
  
• Be cautious of extraordinary bargains. Products that are far less expensive than comparable elsewhere might be defective or counterfeit.
  
• Electric toys are for children age 8 and above. Parents and caregivers should always supervise children using electric toys.
  
• Even playthings like balloons can cause injuries or death. They are a choking hazard for children under age 3.

“In addition to smart shopping, consumers also need to be aware of toy recalls, especially when buying toys on the Internet or from thrift stores,” added Jenkins. “Recalled toys can pose significant safety hazards, such as strangulation risks, choking threats and eye injuries. Keep in mind, older toys may not have the 'ASTM' labeling information and therefore, should be purchased with caution.”

Parents and other caregivers should inspect toys monthly to make sure they are in good condition for safe play. Checking for small broken parts is especially important, and watch for sharp points and edges.

“With a little thought and a few safety precautions, both parents and children can have a great – and safe – playtime,” concluded Jenkins.

For additional information on safe toys visit:
http://datcp.state.wi.us/cp/consumerinfo/cp/factsheets/pdf/Kids-ToySafety183.pdf
http://www.aap.org
http://www.cpsc.gov
http://www.safekids.org

For toy recall information visit:
http://www.cpsc.gov

To file a consumer complaint regarding a toy concern, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection on the web at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via e-mail at DATCPHotline@wi.gov; or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

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