Keeping children safe at Christmas
Injuries among children could go up during the holiday season if safety precautions are not taken.
By Bill Shrum, reporter2@stuttgartdailyleader.com
Dec. 3, 2012 10:30 a.m.
Image courtesy of askamum.co.uk
Safety among children should always be prevalent during the holiday season especially with the variety of gifts that are now on the market for them.
Injuries among children could go up during the holiday season if safety precautions are not taken.
"I carry toys for ages infant to tweens for a variety of interests," Natalie Maynard, owner of Too Cute, said. "Quality is No. 1 on the list when I am searching for products."
Maynard said she is very careful when purchasing products for her store in terms of quality and safety, especially when it comes to toys, therefore, she doesn't just order anything she finds without doing the research first.
"I also work closely with many sales representatives in order to ensure the products I order are safe," Maynard said. "They also have to be appropriate for a children's boutique."
In her boutique, she tries to keep a nice selection throughout the year, but especially during the Christmas season because it is very important to offer an assortment of toys and other merchandise, Maynard said.
"I also look into the companies and their history in the toy industry and also confirm they maintain acceptable safety standards," Maynard said.
Prevent Blindness America, the nation's oldest eye health and safety organization, stresses that when buying gifts for family, friends or charitable organizations make conscientious decisions based on what is best for the child.
A few tips include:
• Inspect all toys before purchasing.
• Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child's age and developmental level.
• Make recommendations for family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for you child.
• Be diligent about inspecting these gifts before allowing your child to play with them.
• Any toy that is labeled "supervision required" must always be used in the presence of an adult.
• Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
For more information on the safety of toys, contact the Arkansas Department of Health in Stuttgart at (870) 673-1609.
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