Safe Toys Equals Safe Kids; Expert Suggests How Parents Can Choose Safe Toys

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LIVERMORE, Calif., Sept. 30, 1996 -- In today's enormous market of toys, there is more concern than ever among parents about safety, says Lane Nemeth, mother and former day-care director who specializes in toy safety.

Nemeth, Founder and CEO of Discovery Toys has advice for parents on how to ensure their children's toys are safe. She recommends that parents use a Small Parts Cylinder ($2.48, Discovery Toys, 800-426-4777) to test the safety of small parts on their children's toys.

Children spend most of their time with toys, from day one through their growing-up years. Nemeth believes that an informed, good toy purchase is an investment in a child. Although some safety issues are based on good common sense, there are other helpful guidelines that can assist parents in choosing safe toys.

Nemeth suggests parents do a toy safety check-up using the five S's of toy safety:

• Size -- small parts such as buttons, eyes, wheels, staples or bells can easily come off or be swallowed. The Small Parts Cylinder is a handy measuring device. If a piece fits in the container, the piece is too small for children under three years.

• Shape -- buy toys with smooth surfaces. Avoid sharp edges and blunt ends as well as brittle, plastic or glass products or metal pieces that can bend and cut.

• Surfaces -- labels on toys should tell you if they are non-toxic and fire resistant. Avoid beads made from seeds or painted with toxic paint and any toys containing liquids that could leak.

• Strings -- these are suitable for older children but can become wrapped around wrists or necks.

• Supervision -- provide a safe place to play and be aware of potential dangers in toys.

"Play is a child's work," says Nemeth, "and it's vitally important to provide them with safe, fun tools for their development. This includes choosing toys that are right for your child's age." It's important to follow the manufacturer's age recommendations and keep toys designed for older children out of the reach of younger children.

Small Parts Cylinder, $2.48, Discovery Toys, call 800-426-4777.

CONTACT: Vickie Silver of Discovery Toys, 510-371-3755