Alberta Health Services’ annual child safety initiative to mark Safe Kids Week is underway and AHS has issued a few tips for parents to stay aware of toy safety guidelines for children.
To start, AHS says parents should always check labels for safety warnings and test if a toy is a choking hazard. Officials say if a toy or toy part can fit through a cardboard toilet paper roll, it should be considered a choking hazard for children under three years old.
Additionally, parents are recommended to avoid purchasing toys with long strings or cords that could get caught around a child’s neck.
After buying a toy for a child, AHS advises parents to throw away any toy packaging and check toys for loose parts, broken pieces, and sharp edges.
If a child is injured during playtime, AHS says calling 9-1-1 during serious, life-threatening emergencies remains the first course of action. Additionally, children swallowing batteries remains a problem in Alberta, and AHS says taking a child to the emergency department immediately is recommended rather than inducing vomiting.
