In order to know if the toy is safe for your child, always read the instructions and instructions for use of the toy, which are normally in the package and which must contain the symbol of the Inmetro, indicate the minimum age and inform about the most common hazards that the toy can cause.
In addition, parents should, where possible, observe children playing and inspect all toys at least once a week to avoid accidents, as small, broken or tipped objects may become a hazard to the child, cause cuts, choking or allergies, for example. Read more at: Safety Tips to Protect Your Child at Home.
Safety rules for toys
There are a few important safety rules to consider when buying toys for children, such as:
1- Check the Inmetro seal
All toys must have the Inmetro seal on the packaging or on the toy itself with black, blue or yellow color.
This symbol indicates that the toy has been tested to identify possible risks of the toy, such as a chance of poisoning, electric shocks or cuts, for example, and that it is safe for sale.
2- Be age-appropriate
The toys offered to the child must always be suitable for the child's age and the minimum age the child must have to use the toy is indicated on the toy packaging.
However, when parents have children of different ages, they should pay special attention to the smaller child, who has curiosity and willingness to play with the toys of the eldest son, and which are usually very dangerous for the youngest child, for not being suitable for the age.
3. Read package information
Before giving a toy to the child should read the information and instructions for use, which are usually in Portuguese and that guide the safe use of the product.
Generally, when the toy can cause some danger to the child, even if approved, "attention" appears and the information indicates the danger.
4- Be careful with the packaging
Parents should open the packaging of the toy before giving the child or, if the child does, it should be done in the presence of an adult, as the plastics can lead to suffocation and dangerous objects such as clips, elastics and screws, for example, can hurt the child.
How To Care for Children's Toys
In addition to the safety rules for toys, it is important to observe the child playing, especially the smaller ones, as they can use toys in an inappropriate and life-threatening way. In addition, they shall:
- Check the toys: Parents should observe all the child's toys at least once a week and check that there are no loose or broken pieces of toys and that could be dangerous for the child;
- Packing toys: Keeping a child's room tidy daily is a way to prevent falls that can occur more easily when toys are scattered;
- Washing toys: toys, especially dolls, should be washed with water because they accumulate bacteria and can cause allergies.
Although parents pay attention to the purchase of toys and, if they are safe, all children may have accidents playing games, such as making cuts or allergies, for example. Learn how to take action in: First aid for the 8 most common domestic accidents.
