AHS shares toy safety tips for Safe Kids Week

By Medicine Hat News on June 6, 2024.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Alberta Health Services, in honour of Safe Kids Week, is promoting toy safety for babies and young children.

Officials remind residents to ensure that any toys given to their children are age appropriate, and to thoroughly check all labels and safety warnings, and to test if the toy is a choking hazard.

“If a toy or toy part can fit through a cardboard toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard for children under three years of age,” said AHS. Toys with long cords that could get caught around a child’s neck should also be avoided, as well as anything with a loose or easily removable battery compartment.

They add that latex balloons, metal jewellery, magnets, button batteries and sensory water beads may look like toys, but are dangerous to children and should be candled with care.

Parents should remove and throw away or recycle all toy packaging, and follow assembly instructions closely after purchase, said AHS, and check toys for loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges.

While toys are in use, AHS encourages parents to check where the child will be playing for tripping hazards, unsafe toys, loose cables, wet floors or things that may have been dropped. Parents should actively watch their child and stay close enough to act if needed.

They remind parents that if they suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, to take them to the nearest emergency department immediately, and not to induce vomiting.

“Teach your child to use toys only as they’re meant to be used,” said AHS.

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