Dubai
While toys of different shapes, sizes and colour are put on store shelves every day, there are teams of people around the world that work to create a standard of quality for them.
Joan Lawrence, senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs at The Toy Association, non-profit trade association for the US toy industry, is one of them. The association helped develop the first toy safety standard in the US and provide solutions for parents who buy various toys for their children.
When asked about the fidget spinners, Lawrence told Gulf News: “Always follow age labelling, and if the spinner does not have age guidance on its packaging, don’t buy it. Never give children, who still put toys in their mouths, any items that have small parts. Even children who are old enough to play with spinners should be taught how to play with them correctly. When a craze like the spinners hits, you might be tempted to buy one for your child, but the safety of products sold outside a reputable retailer cannot be guaranteed.”
She goes on to suggest that parents need to check spinners periodically for damage. Broken items should be discarded immediately.
Dolls and figurines with small parts are a top priority for the association. Lawrence explained that most of these toys with small parts are meant for children above the age of three years.
She said: “Parents are advised to keep small toys and toys with small parts out of the hands of children under three or those who still mouth toys.”
The federally-mandated small parts regulation has been in place in the US for more than four decades and the requirement have been adopted around the world.
Lawrence said: “Safety is the number one priority of the toy industry. When it comes to soft toys, parents are advised to keep them and other soft objects, like quilts and pillows, out of the cribs of sleeping infants and younger children. At other times, supervise them when they are playing with soft toys.”
As far as toy guns are concerned, their stand is clear — use them to promote activity and role play, such as playing cops and robbers, but children have to be careful at all times.
Lawrence said: “Toys do not promote aggressive behaviour. Toys that foster friendly competition help promote active bodies, active minds and healthy lifestyles.”
