Christmas is a very busy time of year for Santa Claus. He has to get the sleigh ready, feed his reindeer, check his list to be sure he hasn't forgotten any good girls and boys…and make sure that the toys the elves have purchased are not only fun, but also safe! This year, Trading Standards at West Dunbartonshire Council assured that his task will be easier than ever before: since July 2011, toys sold in the EU must satisfy the strictest safety rules in the world.
Safe and fun is the perfect combination, but it is actually not so obvious! What makes a toy safe to use will depend not only on the toy itself, but also on how it is used and the age of the child. What should you look for as a parent, to know if a toy is safe or not for your child?
This year, toys sold in the EU will be safer than ever which will enable parents to make the right choices for their kids. But safety is of course important all year round; therefore we shouldmake sure that we don'tlearn safety "by accident!
Tips to keep in mind while toy shopping:
Never buy toys that do not have the CE marking
The CE marking is a commitment from the toy maker that the toy complies with all applicable EU safety rules, amongst the strictest world wide.
Do not buy toys with small detachable parts for children under 3 years of age
Choking is a particular risk for children under 3 years old, because they tend to put everything in their mouths! Toys bearing this symbol are not suitable for children under 3.
