November 15, 2023
-by Bonnie MacIsaac
As the countdown to Christmas becomes increasingly tangible, the realization that the festive season is merely six weeks away takes on a surreal quality. Personally, I find myself immersed in the meticulous planning of gifts, endeavouring to bridge the gaps in my present list that still await acquisition. Yes, you read that accurately – I’m one of those dedicated individuals who diligently shops throughout the year, deliberately avoiding the frenzied chaos of the last-minute rush that often characterizes the holiday season.
I see all the toys my grandchildren have. When I was speaking to my granddaughter, I mentioned it is a wonderful time to go through her gently (barely) used toys and games to donate them. Many people shop second hand stores hoping to help their holiday budget.
For parents, this marks an opportune moment to take stock of the contents within the toy box. Older toys may pose safety risks, either due to wear and tear or potential hazards arising from their use. While toy manufacturers are obligated to adhere to safety standards set by Health Canada, the occasional infiltration of unsafe toys onto store shelves and into homes underscores the importance of vigilance.
To guide parents in making informed choices, the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) has been at the forefront since 1973, advocating for safer toy designs and influencing significant changes in product design by toy companies. As we approach the holiday season, they offer valuable insights on what to watch out for when selecting toys:
Toys marketed on the internet: Ensure that online purchases come with adequate warnings, instructions, and age recommendations.
Battery-operated toys for young children: Be cautious with toys requiring batteries for children under eight, as batteries may pose risks of leakage, overheating, and explosion.
Toys with “fur” or “hair”: Dolls and stuffed animals with such features may present ingestion and aspiration risks for oral-age children.
Toys with small removable attachments: Pay attention to toys with small parts at the end of laces and strings to avoid potential choking hazards.
Projectile toys: Items like dart guns, sling shots, and pea-shooters can cause eye injuries and, in severe cases, blindness.
Toys with pointed tips, and blunt or sharp edges: Exercise caution with toys that could crush, cut, or puncture a child’s skin.
Toys with strings longer than six inches: Strings of such length may pose a strangulation risk for small children.
Crib or playpen toys: Avoid toys designed to be strung across cribs or playpens, as they have been linked to strangulation deaths and injuries.
Toys marketed with other product lines: Be wary of toys sold alongside food, clothing, books, cassettes, and videos that may lack warnings, instructions, or age recommendations.
Toys composed of flammable material: Check for potential ignition risks when exposed to heat or flame.
Realistic-looking toy weapons: Exercise caution with guns, dart guns, Ninja weaponry, swords, toy cleavers, knives, and crossbows that may inadvertently promote violence.
Toys requiring electricity without transformers: Ensure that electric toys designed for children have step-down transformers to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
Toys with small parts: Be mindful of small parts that could be swallowed or aspirated, leading to choking.
Long-handled toys for children up to four years of age: Due to a tendency for such children to place toys in their mouths, extra caution is advised.
Toys with toxic surfaces or components: Evaluate components of items like children's play makeup kits to avoid potential ingestion or skin irritations.
A heartfelt thanks to W.A.T.C.H. for providing this timely information. In the coming weeks, they’ll be unveiling their much-anticipated Top 10 list of the Worst Toys of the year – an annual revelation that I eagerly anticipate. Keep an eye out for it; it’s always one of my favourites!
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Ensuring the safety of our children is an ongoing priority, and as responsible caregivers, we strive to impart valuable lessons while keeping a vigilant eye on their well-being. However, the vast array of enticing toys lining the shelves during our shopping excursions can sometimes lead to oversights, particularly when time and patience are in short supply. Amidst the allure of these seemingly harmless and “cute” toys, it becomes imperative to dedicate the time needed for a thorough examination.
Moreover, one crucial consideration is the age range of the children residing in a household. It’s essential to avoid purchasing toys with small parts for older children that could pose choking hazards, especially if there are toddlers in the mix. Being mindful of these age-related safety concerns ensures that every toy brought into the home aligns with the developmental stages and safety requirements of the children who will be playing with them.
Health Canada provides valuable reminders to guide us in making informed decisions when selecting toys and maintaining a safe play environment:
1. Reading and following instructions
Reading and following the age label, warnings, safety messages, and assembly instructions for toys is the first line of defense. Choosing sturdy, well-made toys and recognizing that items designed for older children may not be safe for younger ones are vital considerations.
2. Choking hazards
Children under three have a tendency to put things in their mouths, making small toys, balls, or loose toy parts potential choking hazards. This risk persists even for children over three who still exhibit this behaviour. Checking squeeze toys, toy cars, stuffed animals, and infant toys for removable parts ensures a safer play environment.
3. Toys with batteries
Proper installation of batteries is critical, as mixing different battery types or incorrect installation can lead to leaks or overheating, causing harm to a child. Ensuring that young children cannot access a toy’s battery compartment and avoiding the practice of taking battery-operated toys to bed minimizes risks.
4. Toys with magnets
Small, loose magnets pose choking hazards, and if ingested, they can attract one another in the intestines, causing blockages and serious consequences. Magnetic building toys, alphabet and number magnets, and other products with small magnets should be kept out of reach. Immediate medical attention is crucial if a child swallows magnets.
5. Toy storage
Separating toys and games for older children from those for younger children helps prevent accidents. Opting for a toy box without a lid or using a lightweight lid that won’t fall on a child adds an extra layer of safety. It's crucial to ensure that any storage box with a lid has adequate air holes to prevent suffocation risks.
Health Canada’s comprehensive guidelines serve as a reliable resource, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to choosing and storing toys. By incorporating these practices into our routines, we can create a secure and enjoyable play environment for our children. For additional tips on choosing and using toys safely, Health Canada’s website, www.hc-sc.gc.ca, is a valuable reference.
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Health Canada investigates safety related consumer complaints. If you would like more information, or if you think you have a toy that could be dangerous, contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office. In Nova Scotia call 1-902-426-8300.
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It’s free! Every year, kids from across the country write to Santa, and every year, Canada Post works hard to make sure those letters reach the North Pole – and that Santa’s replies reach their destination too. This year, there are some seasonal templates to help your child write to Santa. Ones for younger or older children can be found on their website if you want to print them off and use them. Santa is pretty smart and answers letters in more than 30 languages, including Braille!
Please mail letters before December 7th so Santa has enough time to send an answer. Make sure to get the special address right: Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO. Remember, no need for a stamp. Make sure you include your return address so Santa can write you back.
