During December, participate in Safe Toys  Month. Since December is the biggest gift-giving month in the world, it’s important to keep safety in mind as you’re shopping for the little ones in your life.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated by hospital emergency rooms around the U.S. in 2010. Of those, 72% of them were people younger than 15 years old. Since then, toy safety has improved, but shoppers can take precautions to keep children in their lives safe.

Buying toys and other gifts are one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season. I mean, who doesn’t love watching a friend or family member open a gift and seeing their eyes light up with excitement?! In all the eagerness, it’s easy to forget about simple safety. So before making any purchases this year, keep safety in mind.

HOW TO OBSERVE #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth

Post on social media using #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth to spread the word and raise awareness this December. Here are some ways to be sure you’re shopping safely this year.

In Canada, all toys are regulated to make sure they are safe for use by children. Even so, unsafe toys can make their way onto store shelves and into homes. And sometimes the ways toys are used can expose children to hazards. Being informed and aware of potential risks will help you protect your child’s health and safety. Here are some general tips to follow:

1. When buying toys, look for sturdy and well-made ones that include the manufacturer’s contact information.
2. Read and follow all age labels and safety messages. Toys for older children may have small parts or other hazards that make them unsafe for younger children.
3. Keep small toys and any loose parts/accessories out of the reach of children under three years of age, as these are choking hazards for children who still put non-food items into their mouths.
4. Repair or throw away broken toys. Check often for loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges that could harm children.
5. Keep all toys – especially plush and soft toys – away from heat sources like stoves, fireplaces and heaters.

Follow this advice, and your whole family is sure to have a very merry (and injury-free) holiday season!

Consumers Protection Act

Toy safety tips

Safe Toy month

Bring Safety Home