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(November 23, 2011 - Phoenix, AZ) - "Black Friday" is upon heralding the launch of the 2011 holiday shopping season - a time when shoppers will flood the state's malls and big box stores in search of the perfect toy for the tots on their list. The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) would like to remind moms, dads and grandparents that toy safety should be at the top of their shopping lists when working to fulfill the wishes of the children for whom they are buying gifts.
"It's important to keep some simple safety tips in mind when buying toys for children," says Sue Braga, executive director of AzAAP. "Age appropriateness is always a consideration, but most people don't realize that there are inherent dangers in many of today's high-tech toys, which are often at the top of a child's wish list."
The American Academy of Pediatrics also provides tips for choosing a safe toy, including that you look for a toy that is sturdy, made with nontoxic materials, is not too loud and, if it is an electric toy, that it is UL approved.
In addition to general toy safety guidelines, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and other experts have highlighted hazardous toys the last few years, including:
- Toys with small magnets, which can be swallowed and lead to serious medical problems if two or more magnets are swallowed.
- Toys with lithium button batteries that can be easily removed without a screwdriver and can be a hazard if swallowed.
- Lead paint on recalled toys.
- Metals in children's jewelry, which can include lead, cadmium and other toxic metals.
 - Avoid shooting toys and toys that have pieces that shoot or fly off.
- Remember that BB guns and air guns are not really toys.
It's no surprise that December has been designated National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Websites abound that address recalls and other safety issues related to popular toys.
"We can't emphasize enough the importance of consumers doing their homework when purchasing toys for friends and family members," says Braga. "Nothing is more tragic than having to see a child in our doctor's offices or the Emergency Room who has been seriously hurt by a gift from a well-meaning family member or friend."
For more information and toy reviews, visit these websites:
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