Choose toys that can be used in a variety of ways. Toddlers love to take apart, put back, pull out, put in, add on, and build. Choose toys that are open-ended, or that you can play many different games with. Look for toys that will grow with them. Select toys...Read More
What materials are safe for children's toys?
Select toys that are produced from natural materials such as wool, cotton, or uncoated wood. Avoid choosing old wooden toys that may have chipped paint which may contain lead. Be sure that fabric toys can be washed. Choose toys that show they are free of phthalate, PVC, and BPA. For...Read More
What makes a toy safe?
Toys are age-graded for safety. Age-grades are guidelines that reflect the toy’s safety based on: Any choking or safety risks The physical skills a child needs to play with the toy How well a child can understand how to use the toy The interests, needs and abilities at different stages...Read More
What are three things caregivers need to evaluate when deciding if a toy?
Caregivers need to evaluate a toy's age appropriateness, material safety, and design durability to ensure it is safe for babies. These factors help prevent choking hazards and exposure to harmful chemicals. Focusing on these criteria allows for safer choices in baby toys. Age Appropriateness: The toy must match the developmental...Read More
When buying toys What is a good characteristic to look for?
When buying toys for your kids, there are many factors to consider.
Age should also be considered when buying toys that require additional parts or have sharp edges, as these could be dangerous for young children.
Additionally, ensure that your toy is age-appropriate and within the recommended age range.
Take...Read More
Why is toy safety important?
Toys contribute to child development and play is an essential part of growing up. However, toys have to be safe for children to play with. Ensuring that toys marketed in the EU do not put children at risk is a priority. The essential safety requirements cover general risks: the health...Read More
How to choose non-toxic toys?
Toys should be made from sustainable, non-toxic wood, organic cotton, or other natural or organic materials. Try to find natural toys made of unfinished, solid, non-toxic wood, preferably made from sustainably-produced hardwood. The wood should be unfinished, or a natural oil finish, such as linseed, beeswax, or walnut oil. Watch...Read More
How can consumers be sure that toys are safe?
To check if your toy is safe, check battery compartments for accessible button batteries or loose spares in the box. Check for any loose small magnets. Give the parts on the toy a quick tug and check for small parts that come off. Look for long cords or access to...Read More
Are public dog water bowls safe?
Public water bowls can be a convenient resource for hydrating your dog during outings but there are some hidden risks that you might not be aware of. Public water bowls can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and other contaminants. They are often exposed to animal waste, dirt, and debris,...Read More
Can dogs spread harmful germs from communal water bowls?
Shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick. Dogs might also accidentally share other infections via water bowls. Respiratory infections with a bacterial or viral origin can easily be shared when water or bowls become contaminated with saliva or nasal secretions....Read More
How often should you clean a dog's water bowl?
I wash the food ones after each use or swap to a new one but the water bowls maybe once a week depending on when I remember and what's floating around in there. Only one dog has a beard and she's a clean drinker so her bowl stays clean with...Read More
How do I keep my outside dog water bowl clean?
To keep your outside dog water bowl clean, never leave their bowl in the sun or near bird feeders, and bring outdoor bowls in at night for cleaning and to avoid nocturnal visitors. The type of bowl is also a factor to consider, some bowls are more porous, such as...Read More
Is it safe for dogs to share a water bowl?
Stagnant water can retain environmental contaminants, such as plant material, parasites, toxins, mold and more. This is of particular concern if the bowl is not cleaned regularly or if the water is left standing for extended periods of time. Dogs that have stepped in fecal matter and then played in...Read More
Are public water fountains safe?
The technology used to help reduce the risk of infectious diseases has improved, including slanted jets of water, filters and better maintenance. The main source of contamination is on the knobs and buttons of fountains. The risk of getting herpes from the spout is almost negligible, but for those who...Read More
Is it OK for dogs to share water bowls?
Shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick. Where dogs might share bowls for food or water, there is also the risk of dangerous bacteria such as MRSA spreading between dogs and their owners. Dogs might also accidentally share other infections...Read More