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Consumers urged to take care with Christmas toy shopping
[Wed 14/12/2011 12:35:01]
The Tasmanian Government has warned locals to shop carefully when buying presents for kids this festive season.
Minister for Consumer Protection, Nick McKim, says Christmas morning joy can soon turn to heartbreak if the toy is a safety hazard.
“One of the great joys of Christmas is the giving and receiving of gifts, especially where children are involved, but joy can turn to misery very quickly if a present results in injury,” he says.
“For example, toys marked ‘not suitable for children under the age of three’ means there are small parts that could become a choking hazard.
“Another factor to bear in mind is the appropriate safety gear to go with presents such as bikes, scooters and trampolines. Make sure children also get a helmet, shin pads, elbow guards and safety pads to limit injuries.
“It is also important to remember that a toy purchased for an elder child could be a hazard for a younger member of the family if it isn’t kept out of reach.”
To help customers assess a product’s safeness, McKim advises using the ‘five s’ approach. It involves checking the size – the smaller the child the bigger the toy – shape for swallowing hazards and sharp edges, surface for non toxic paints, strings over 30cm which can be a choking hazard and using supervision to ensure kids stay out of danger.
“By following the manufacturer’s recommended age labelling and warnings, and using their powers of observation, parents can make sure that their children have a very happy and safe Christmas,” he says.
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