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Product safety
Some of the products that we use regularly and take for granted can seriously harm a child.
Here's how to help reduce the risk to your child when buying products:
The " 3 S" Guide.
Size: For smaller children, choose bigger products. Children under three put things in their mouths, up their noses and in their ears. They do not always play with the toy or use a product as it is intended.
- If a product is small, or can break easily into small parts, a child under three should not play or use it. If the parts fit in a cardboard toilet paper roll (1 ¼ inches or 3 cm), then it is too small for children under 3. Any toy with a warning label, indicating use for children over the age of 3, should be taken as a safety warning. Any products or toys labeled with this warning have small parts and are not suitable for children under age 3.
- If a product has batteries, ensure that the batteries are locked inside toys and that the child can't easily access them. Small batteries can be swallowed as well as cause burns.
- If a product has magnets, make sure that they are firmly attached to the products. Children have been seriously injured from swallowing small magnets.
Strings: Check that strings or tails on products are not long enough to cause a strangulation or choking. Check that they are firmly attached to the product.
Surface: Check that the product is smooth, that it does not have sharp points or rough edges, on which a child could scratch or cut themselves. Ensure that soft products are fire resistant and that the stuffing can't come out. The soft stuffing can cause choking.1
1 Adapted from Safe Kids New Zealand
