Keep safety in mind when shopping for kids' toys

While picking out a child's toy is an exciting part of every holiday season, keeping safety in mind needs to be on the top of every gift-givers' list, according to the Safe Kids Kansas organization.

Parents and caregivers can make sure they're choosing safe toys for their children by paying close attention to warning labels and manufacturer's guidelines, according to a news release.

"More than 3 billion toys and games are sold in the United States every year, and most of them are very safe," Safe Kids Kansas State Director Cherie Sage said. "Warning labels and manufacturers' instructions tell you how to use the product safely. If the manufacturer sets a minimum age or other restrictions, there's a reason. For example, a label reading 'not appropriate for children under 3' may be present because the toy poses a choking hazard, not because it's too difficult for a 2-year-old."

Each year, about 217,000 toy-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms nationwide. But on average, only 15 children under 14 years of age die from a toy-related injury, according to Safe Kids Kansas.

"If you buy toys secondhand or get hand-me-downs, visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the toy hasn't been recalled for safety reasons," Sage said.

To stay informed, Safe Kids Kansas recommends that parents sign up for e-mails that will keep them up-to-date on recalls beyond the holiday itself.

"It's too difficult to get your information piecemeal from TV or the newspaper, so if you get the e-mails sent to you each time a recall happens, you'll be up-to-the-minute and won't have to worry," Sage said. "If a new toy comes with a product registration card, mail it in right away so the manufacturer can contact you if the item is ever recalled."

To sign up for recall e-mails, visit www.cpsc.gov and click on the Sign up for E-mail Announcements link.

Do not hesitate to report defects or design features that seem dangerous, Sage added.

"If your child has a close call, the next child might not be so lucky," she said. "Your experience could be part of a pattern that might lead to a recall."

Safety concerns about toys should be reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov.

Safe Kids Kansas also recommends the following for parents and caregivers:

* Make sure to buy age-appropriate toys.

* Identify dangerous small parts.

* Buy the proper safety gear.

* Inspect toys to make sure they are in good repair.

* Actively supervise children.

* Practice proper storage.

For more information, visit www.usa.safekids.org.