Rainbow Injury Prevention Center

Toys”R”Us, Inc. partners with Safe Kids Worldwide, the world’s leading childhood injury prevention organization, to provide parents and caregivers with valuable information about keeping children safe during key times of the year when they are at most risk of accidental injuries.

Here is an excerpt from toysrus.com:

Safe Toy Shopping and Play Tips

1. Select Age-Appropriate Toys – Check toy packaging for the manufacturer’s recommended age. Age guidelines are not only for safety, but also to ensure that your child is not frustrated or bored with a toy. Don’t base your purchases solely on the toys a child wants – be sure you are buying a toy that will be fun AND safe! Also, in advance of special occasions, remind gift-givers about your child’s skills, abilities and interests, as well as the importance of age grading.

2. Consult the Experts – Don’t know what toys or baby products to buy? Have questions about product assembly or what’s right for a specific child? Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us associates are trained and knowledgeable toy and baby product experts who can help you find the right merchandise for the children you’re buying for.

3. Examine Packaging and Toys – Before you purchase a toy, make sure that its packaging isn’t opened or torn, which could indicate that the toy may have been damaged. Also, check the toy’s design and construction – the higher the quality, the better the toy’s chance of withstanding wear and tear. Once at home, check the toy to ensure that pieces aren’t missing and that all instructions, warranty and product registration information are included. This is also important when your children open gifts on special occasions – among the excitement, you want to confirm that your child’s gifts are in good condition.

4. Read the Directions – If toys require assembly, make sure you follow the directions closely. This is especially important when planning to assemble toys the night before big events, like birthdays and Christmas. If possible, don’t wait until the last minute to read the directions – this will help avoid unforeseen hazards that may arise from incorrect assembly. Also, make sure you read the toy’s instructions to your child to ensure that he/she knows how to use it safely.

5. Discard Packaging Materials – Before giving the toy to your child, remove and discard all packaging, but be sure to save the instructions and registration information. Many children’s toys are packaged securely in boxes, with plastic ties or pieces holding them in place – these can be hazardous to a small child if left within reach. Don’t forget to mail in the registration/warranty cards so you are alerted if any safety problems arise.

6. Stay Informed – Be educated about the toys your children play with. Here, on our Safety website, you can find great tips and advice about toy safety, as well as information about recalled baby and juvenile products sold in Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores. You can also sign up to receive email updates about toy recalls. In addition, all of our stores feature Safety Boards that post recall information, including the product name, item number, description, recall timeframe and photo. Information about all consumer product recalls can also be found online at www.Recalls.gov or www.CPSC.gov.

7. Inspect the Toy Box – Parents should regularly inspect toys in their home for broken parts, missing pieces or other hazards. Do not hesitate to throw out toys that are worn or broken. Toys that require battery power should be checked to ensure that batteries are not leaking or accessible to children. It’s always a good idea to periodically clean all of the toys your children play with – especially when you have multiple children in the house.

8. Remember the Safety Gear – If you purchase toys with wheels, such as bikes, tricycles, skateboards and in-line skates, make sure that the child has the necessary safety gear, like helmets and pads, in the appropriate size. It would be disappointing not to have all of the right safety gear on hand to try out a new bike, skates or other ride-on toy right away.

9. Store Toys Safely – If an older child has toys that are inappropriate for younger siblings (small parts, sharp edges, electrical needs, etc.), find a safe place where these toys can be kept out of reach of small hands. While sharing is important, parents need to keep in mind that children of different ages have different safety needs. And, if your child receives a toy that will be appropriate after an upcoming birthday, do not hesitate to put the toy away until the actual birthday.

10. Supervise Play – Children should be monitored when at play to ensure their safety and to make sure their toys are properly used. Parents, caregivers and older siblings/relatives should serve as role models to show children the correct and safe way to play and use toys. This is especially important during family gatherings when kids of all ages get together to play!