As a parent, you have likely come to recognize the importance of toys in your child’s life. Toys are more than just objects of desire, they can play a very important role in your child’s development. And, of course, toys are fun and they make children happy. But regardless if a toy is educational or just a diversion, it must be safe for use.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a toy’s safety or lack thereof. The following are some things to look for when you are toy shopping for your child:
- Paint and crayon packages should be labeled with ASTM D-4236, which indicates they have been properly evaluated.
- All art materials should be labeled as nontoxic.
- Stuffed animals should be washable.
- Toys that are constructed of fabric should have labels reading “flame retardant” or “flame resistant.”
- Toys should only be coated with lead-free paint.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is tasked with monitoring all toys that are manufactured in the United States or imported into the country. All toys are required to adhere to CPSC standards. But with the constant influx of new toys on the market, it can still be difficult for parents to sort out those which are safe and those that are dangerous or questionable.
It is all too easy for a dangerous or defective toy to injure a child. No toy that is used properly should ever cause a child serious harm. And should your child be hurt by a defective toy, you have every reason to want to pursue legal action against the toy’s manufacturer or distributor. But pursuing such a course can prove daunting. For this reason, you may wish to consult with an experienced products liability attorney who can offer you advice and guidance regarding your case.