DOH: Give Age-appropriate and Safe Gifts

Iloilo City (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH)-6 reminded consumers to purchase age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the safety of children during the Christmas season.

Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia, DOH-6 Regional Violence and Injury Program Prevention Coordinator, said that a good toy is one that is suitable to the child’s physical capabilities and mental and social development.

“It is appealing and interesting but at the same time, it should be well constructed, durable, and safe for the child’s age,” she said.

She said that buyers should check the labels on the packaging and observe precaution appearing on the labels to ensure the safety of the child.

The DOH said that for children zero to one year old, suggested suitable toys are rattles, large brightly colored balls, unbreakable mirrors with steel borders, washable stuffed dolls or animals with big clearly outlines faces.

Wooden animals, dolls, sturdy kiddie cars, modeling clay and rocking horses are among the advisable gifts for toddlers aged 2 to 3 years old.

For preschoolers (4 to 5 years old), puppets, push toys, building blocks, balls and kites are deemed appropriate.

“The label should give information about the toy’s components, ingredients, attributes, and directions for use, as well as safety warnings,” she also said.

The DOH official is also reminding parents to ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his/her age under adult supervision.

She also said that for children under age three, the following toys should not be bought: (1) balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking; (2) toys that easily breaks into small parts; (3) toys containing small detachable parts or pieces that could become lodged in the throat; (4) those with sharp points, edges and with electrical parts, (5) those with parts that could pinch or entrap fingers, toes or hair, and (6) toys with parts put together by straight pins, sharp wires, or nails that are exposed and easily detached.

She added that plastic packaging should be disposed accordingly and keeping it out of reach of children. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)