Each year, thousands of babies are injured by playing with toys that are unsafe. While most manufacturers have taken great care to ensure their toys are baby-safe, the injuries continue. Sometimes, it's due to the manner in which the toys were built. Other times, babies are left unattended with toys that are otherwise safe but can still cause harm when the baby is alone. The injuries are always unfortunate. Some are tragic. Thankfully, with diligence, most of the toy-related harm that happens to babies can be prevented. In this article, you'll discover the toy hazards that can potentially hurt your child.
Beware Of Sharp Edges And Points
Toys aren't typically sold with sharp edges and points. However, some toys are manufactured in such a way that they appear harmless but can cause injury when played with. Also, though many baby toys are built absent of any edges or points that can pierce, cut, or otherwise injure your child, they can break. When a baby plays with a toy, pieces can break off exposing sharp points that can slice or puncture the skin. When you buy a new toy for your baby, take time to inspect it. Remove it from the packaging. Take note of any potential breaks or damage that can expose metal, glass, or hard plastic edges.
Watch The Small Parts
Most baby toys don't allow small parts to be removed or unfastened. They're typically sold in 1 piece. But, toys break easily. Simply dropping it onto the ground can cause pieces to loosen. The parts may not break off at that moment, but a slight pull or tug by your baby can easily cause the part to dislodge from the toy. Because babies tend to put things into their mouth, this can be extremely dangerous. Small parts can be swallowed and become lodged deep in your baby's throat, cutting off air. Or, your baby may place the small piece in her ear or nose. There, it can remain out of reach as your baby screams in pain. While considering toys to buy, make sure there are no removable parts. Keep in mind the materials from which the toy is constructed. Hard plastic can easily break off and cause injury.
Mind The Projectiles
Surprisingly, there are a few toys that are sold with the ability to shoot small projectile parts. There's very little power behind the projectile, but its size can cause a tragic problem. Your baby might swallow the projectile. Or, it can strike your baby's eyes. Every precaution that you take in purchasing baby toys with small parts should be taken when buying toys that propel small objects. These toys can become deadly in a baby's hands.
Choosing Toys Your Baby Can Handle
There's a lot you can do to ensure your baby is never exposed to the dangers of hazardous toys. It requires a bit of forethought. For each toy you purchase, ask yourself whether the toy is too small. You don't want your baby to swallow the toy. How heavy is the toy? If dropped onto your baby's head, can it cause an injury? Does it have a cord that your baby may inadvertently wrap around his neck? Are there pieces that are loose on the toy? With time, can those pieces become detached and pose a safety threat?
These are the questions you should ask yourself whenever you buy a baby toy. By being mindful of the potential hazards, you can all but guarantee the safety of your baby. Thousands of babies are injured by toys each year. Nearly every injury could have been prevented. Use the tips above to protect your child.
Statistics indicate that children who use the Internet often are targeted by online predators more often because they can disguise themselves as same age as the child using the Internet. There are however, guidelines for parents to follow in order to protect their children from the dangerous side of the Internet.
Protect Your Passwords
It is critical that you limit your child's access to certain Internet sites. One way to do this is to password protect your computer and under no circumstances give those passwords to your children. Most children will share passwords with their friends and it defeats the purpose of having them. Passwords will also alert you when your children use the Internet, and you can keep a better watch over what they are doing. They will not be able to sneak on the computer when you are sleeping or at work because they will not know what the passwords are.
Monitor Computer Time
It is very important that you monitor what your children are doing online. Tell your child what is appropriate and what is not. Warn them of the dangers of online communication. Sit your child and watch what they do and say online. More importantly, watch what is said to them. If you are suspicious, keep a log of what is said and contact the local authorities.
Block Access
Blocking access to sites that are not appropriate will go a long way in protecting your child. Many Internet providers provide tools that will allow you to better control your child's time on the Internet. Using parental controls to protect your children is advisable to all parents. With them, you can set the parameters to keep your children safe. With parental controls, you block sites and chat rooms that you feel may be unsafe for your children.
Parental Controls
Parental controls are a great resource for parents in the fight to keep children safe. However, it is not a parental replacement or babysitter. Studies have shown that parents who have direct involvement in their child's Internet use have fewer incidents of predatory harassment.
Kid Safe Browsers
Because of the growing problem of online predators, safeguards have been developed. Kid safe browsers are specifically made for children and do not allow certain keyword searches to be performed.
Internet Safety
Children are extremely vulnerable to Internet predators because they are by nature very trusting. It is important that you teach them safety protocol. It is important that they understand that under no circumstances should they ever give out their personal information on the Internet, and explain to them why these precautions are necessary.
It may be difficult to explain why these precautions are necessary without scaring your child, however, being cautious is very important when it comes to online safety. Some children are willful and will give their information anyway. This is when it is necessary to restrict their online activity altogether until they are more responsible.
Pre-teen children should always have a parent present to monitor what their activities are. They may not appreciate you looking over their shoulder; however their safety should be your number one priority. When it comes to your child and the Internet, there is no such thing as being overprotective.
Both Ryan J Bell & Eric Turner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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