toysafetytips

Under the age of 3: Toys should be larger than the diameter of a toilet paper roll - too large to go thru the tube of a roll of toilet paper. (1 ½ inches or 4cm in diameter)

PREVENT CHOKING:
· No buttons, snaps, beads or decorations that can come unsewn or be picked off the toy, blanket or garment.
· Use only snaps that are WELL seated.
· No hooks because little fingers can get pinched and they can be chewed off.
· Sew plastic eyes and noses on with embroidery thread. This is stronger. Sew on firmly and check on a regular basis.
· EMBROIDER THOSE EYES!
· No long stitches that little fingers could pull on.
· No metallic threads as little ones put everything in their mouth.
· No cords or ribbons that can get wrapped around a baby or child's neck.
· Do not use pellets or plastic pellets.

IN CASE OF FIRES:
· Never use flammable fabrics... try to always use 100% cotton fabric.
· Use cotton for stuffing.
· Never use synthetics. In case of fire they melt and stick to the skin.
· DID YOU KNOW? You can get fire retardant fabrics. Look for them - they say they are safe for bed clothing since they have a fire retardant property.

ALLERGIES AND TOXINS:
· New, clean batting that is non-allergenic.
· New fabric that is pre-washed.
· Fuzzy fabrics and yarns are often nice and soft, but can shed and get into baby's mouth.
· Avoid chemical finishes.

GENERAL TIPS:
· Ever time you give the baby, toddler or child a toy to play with give them a quick check over for loose bits that can cause choking. This includes purchased toys!
· Check the wheels on cars that they are still firmly fixed to the toy.
· For babies keep toys soft. I don't think it can be fun biting gums on a hard toy or knocking yourself on the head because your arm control is still poor!
· Squishy toys are easier for little hands to hold onto.
· COLORS, SHAPES AND PATTERNS!
· Don't sew with a monofilament thread - it is not visible. Should a stitch come loose, it is easy for a baby to get it wrapped around its finger and cut off circulation.
· Hang mobiles up high and firmly so that baby cannot grab it, loosen it and get tangled in the strings.
· Seams should be tightly stitched so the stuffing can't come out!

BEST FABRICS:
· 100% cotton (Natural fibers)
· Cotton stuffing
· Flannel
· VELCRO for fastening - sew down thoroughly!
· Use fabric strips and scraps to stuff - the strips are washable and chewable if they escape the original intended use of the toy.

CARE FOR TOYS:
· Cotton takes more care to wash than synthetics but are worth the while.
· Wash in HOT water.