CHOOSING SAFE GIFTS
FOR CHILDREN

• Select gifts that are suited to the child’s age and abilities. Look for the manufacturer’s age recommendations on the package.

 

• If you are buying a gift for someone else’s child, don’t hesitate to ask the parents for suggestions.

 

• Remember that very young children put things in their mouths. Check toys carefully for small parts that could be pulled or broken off (such as the eyes on stuffed toys or the wheels on toy cars).

 

• Check all toys for sharp points or edges.

 

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely for correct toy assembly and use. Teach the child how to use the toy properly.

 

• Ensure that older children will have adequate adult supervision with toys that may pose a safety hazard if used incorrectly, such as chemistry sets or woodburning kits.

 

• Keep in mind that the use of batteries in toys should be monitored for the following potential dangers: incorrectly installed batteries (with wrong ends in contact) may overheat and explode; old batteries may leak - the chemicals inside can cause burns; small "button" batteries can be swallowed and may cause poisoning.

 

• Keep broken toys out of reach until they can be repaired. Discard toys that cannot be repaired.

 

• Include necessary protective gear with a gift of sports equipment (such as a helmet with a bike or knee, wrist, elbow protectors and helmet with rollerblades).

 

• Plug-in electric toys should be labeled by a fire safety testing agency. Don't buy highly combustible toys or ones that use flammable liquids.

GIFT WRAPPING

• Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.

• Discard wrapping materials promptly. Plastic bags can lead to suffocation and small packing pellets can be a choking hazard for little children.

ENTERTAINING DURING
THE HOLIDAYS

• Holiday gatherings bring friends and family together. However, hosts and guests who are not accustomed to having little children around may need to be reminded to keep dangerous items out of reach:

 

• Nuts, candies and small snack foods can cause choking.

 

• Hot drinks are a frequent cause of scalding burns.

 

• Cigarettes are poisonous if eaten and lit cigarettes are a burn and fire hazard.

 

• Alcohol can cause poisoning and brain damage in young children.

 

• Purses are enticing to young children, but may contain such dangerous items as medications, lighters or sharp objects.

 

• Leftover food, drinks and ashtrays should be cleaned up promptly after entertaining so they are not accessible to little early-risers!

	Children's Safety Association of Canada
			385 The West Mall, Suite 250 Etobicoke, ON M9C 1E7
			Telephone:(416) 620-1584 Toll-Free: 1-888-499-4444 Fax: (416) 620-0048
			Website: www.safekid.org Email: csaclead@safekid.org