How things have changed when it comes to toy safety. Back in 2008, 172 toys were recalled — 19 due to lead. In fiscal year 2013, there were 31 toy recalls — none were related to lead.
Our new global system to make toys safer means:
- Toys are now tested by independent, third-party testing laboratories around the world.
- CPSC and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are at the ports, stopping toys that violate U.S. standards before they reach children’s hands. This recent video shows an example of a recent toy stoppage.
- You can shop with confidence. Just remember to use products with care.
Here are some things you should know:
- Five of the 11 toy-related deaths in 2012 occurred when children were riding tricycles.
- Four of those children were found in pools.
- Two other children died when they rode scooters into traffic and were unfortunately hit.
Helmets, safety gear and supervision are key for safety when children play on riding toys.
Finally, CPSC continues to be concerned with children’s access to high-powered magnet sets:
Here are some additional toy safety tips:
- Keep deflated and broken balloons away from children.
- Keep small balls and other toys with small parts away from children under 3.
- Supervise battery charging. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on these chargers. Some chargers lack a mechanism to prevent overcharging.
This address for this post is: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2013/12/buying-toys-safer-toys/
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Kids and cords are a dangerous mix! No matter the product—baby monitors, window coverings, or baby movement monitors —cords in little hands can end up strangling a child.
We’re reminding you because today CPSC, in cooperation with Angelcare Monitors Inc., is announcing a recall to repair movement and sound baby monitors after two deaths. A cord attaches the baby monitor sensor pad under the crib mattress with the nursery monitor unit. This cord poses a strangulation risk if the child pulls the cord into the crib and the cord becomes wrapped around the child’s neck.
Angelcare is providing cord covers for Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor pads. These cord covers are designed to prevent a child from pulling the cord into the crib. Make sure to contact Angelcare at (855)355-2643 or www.angelcarebaby.com to get a free cord cover.
Angelcare Movement and Sound Baby Monitor with rigid strips repair kit installed
As for those traditional baby monitor cords, we continue to recommend that you keep these cords and monitors at least 3 feet away from your baby’s crib. Here’s a video that shows why:
This address for this post is: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2013/11/baby-movement-monitor-recall-a-cord-issue/
Blog in Spanish
Hey Dads, we hear you! Fatherhood is exciting and joyous and a crazy new world. Navigating the life of your baby or toddler is full of wonderful moments—and some hurdles. To help you clear and even avoid some of those hurdles, we have a safety game plan to share with you. Check out these simple safeguards for your little one:
- 1. Bare is Best for the safety of your baby’s sleep environment. Your baby can be cozy without the clutter. Never place pillows, quilts or comforters in your baby’s crib, bassinet or play yard.
- 2. You can’t always fix it. Duct tape and your tool box are tempting, but NEVER try to fix a crib that is broken and in disrepair. Cribs made after June 28, 2011, have to be tested to make sure they meet the most stringent performance and testing requirements in the world. Discard and destroy cribs made before that date. Your child’s crib should be the safest product in your home.
- 3. Anchor and Protect. Here’s where your tools come into play. Install anchors or straps on your television and other furniture. Kids like to climb, often to get a remote or toy placed up high. Even furniture that appears stable may not be when placed on carpet or when a toddler pulls out all the drawers to scamper up.
Get more safety information daily by following us @OnSafety on Twitter and on Google+.
This address for this post is: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2013/10/dads-guide-to-fix-the-kids/
Blog in Spanish
Jump, bounce, squeal. These are the happy sounds of a child playing on a trampoline in the backyard.
In between bounces a young child calls out to his friend, “Join me.”
The friend races out to the backyard and bounds onto the trampoline.
The sound of an “uh-oh” about to happen.
Only one person should be on a trampoline at a time.
The noise you don’t want to hear, typically followed by a child crying.
While just playing in and around the house, children often stub their fingers, bonk their heads, and fall down—all minor injuries.
Getting hurt on a trampoline can be much worse.
Last year, about 95,000 people suffered injuries of such a serious nature that there were taken to an emergency room for treatment. Between 2000 and 2009, 22 families lost a loved one from a trampoline mishap.
Installing and maintaining the enclosure around the trampolines and being aware that children younger than 5 are at the greatest risk of injury can make for a safer experience in the back yard.
Zip, cover, scoot. These are the sounds of you making the trampoline a safer place to play.
- Zip up the surrounding enclosure.
- Cover the springs, hooks and frame in shock-absorbing pads.
- Scoot the trampoline away from structures and trees.
Help minimize the risks of trampoline play. Learn more on our Trampoline Safety Alert page.
This address for this post is: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2013/07/the-sounds-of-trampoline-safety/
The deadline for child care centers, hotels, motels and places of public accommodation to comply with the new crib standards is coming up.
As a refresher: Beginning June 28, 2011, there are new new federal safety standards for cribs. All cribs made and sold after that date must meet these new standards, which prohibit traditional drop-side cribs, strengthen crib slats and mattress supports, improve the quality of hardware, and require more rigorous testing from entering the marketplace.
Cribs provided by child care facilities, family child care homes, hotels, motels and other places of public accommodation have until Dec. 28, 2012, to meet the requirements of the new standards.
Here are some materials that we have created to help you understand the new standards and what you need to do:
In addition, we continue to receive questions about the new standard. Many of your questions revolve around evacuation cribs and play yards.
Cribs in child care facilities, family child care homes and places of public accommodation must meet the requirements of the new federal safety standards for full-size or non-full-size cribs. The regulations do not offer any exemptions or exceptions for evacuation cribs, regardless of how they are used.
The new crib standards do not apply to play yards. CPSC recently strengthened the safety standards for play yards. This new standard will take effect in February 2013. From CPSC’s regulatory perspective, a play yard can be used in lieu of a crib. HOWEVER, some state regulations prohibit the use of play yards in lieu of cribs in a child care setting. If you choose to replace the cribs in your child care with play yards, please familiarize yourself with your state regulations.
This address for this post is: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2012/12/dec-28-crib-standard-deadline-fast-approaching/