Toy safety is a top priority for parents and caregivers, especially when choosing playthings for young children. With so many toys available, it can be challenging to distinguish between those that are safe and those that might pose risks. This guide is designed to help parents and caregivers in Houston, TX, navigate toy safety, offering practical advice on avoiding hazardous toys and selecting age-appropriate options. Check out which toys are great for your little ones and which you should avoid for the time being.

What Parents Need to Know About Toy Safety

No one wants the toy they give to their child to be what hurts them, so making sure that anything they play with is safe is one of a caregiver’s biggest responsibilities. Toys that appear harmless can sometimes present unexpected risks. Recognizing potential hazards in toys and household items goes a long way in preventing accidents and creating a safe play environment. Age-appropriateness is particularly important, as toys meant for older kids can be dangerous for younger ones who might not handle them safely.

New parents and caregivers should familiarize themselves with the safety standards that manufacturers follow. These include tests for small parts, sharp edges, toxic materials, and noise levels, all of which can pose risks to young children. Understanding these guidelines helps in choosing toys that match a child’s age and developmental stage.

Common Hazardous Toys to Avoid

Toys are meant to delight and educate, but some can be surprisingly dangerous. Here’s a short list of some of the big things to look out for when buying young children’s toys:

Toys With Small Parts

Small parts in toys are a major choking hazard for kids under three. Items like building blocks, marbles, and tiny action figures can easily get stuck in a child’s throat. Always check the age recommendations on toy packaging and use a small parts tester or a toilet paper roll to see if a toy is safe. If it fits through, it’s a choking risk for young children.

Toys With Sharp Edges or Points

Toys with sharp edges or points can lead to cuts and injuries. This includes toys with broken parts, metal edges, or poor construction. When choosing toys, inspect them for any sharp or protruding parts. Opt for those made from durable, smooth materials that are less likely to break or cause harm.

Toys With Toxic Materials

Some toys (especially older ones) may contain harmful chemicals like lead or phthalates, which can pose serious health risks if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Ensure safety by checking for labels that indicate compliance with safety standards, such as ASTM F963 or CPSIA certification in the U.S. Avoid toys with strong chemical smells, as they might contain toxic substances.

Loud Toys and Hearing Risks

Loud toys can harm a child’s hearing over time. Toys that emit sounds above 85 decibels are potentially harmful, especially with their developing ears. To protect your child’s hearing, test the toy’s sound level before buying, and consider toys with adjustable volume settings. Encourage playtime at a safe distance from the ear to minimize exposure.

Age-Appropriate Toy Selection

Choosing toys that match a child’s age emphasizes safety and good development. For infants up to 12 months, select soft, non-toxic toys without small parts. Toddlers aged 1-3 benefit from sturdy toys that encourage motor skills and are free from sharp edges or small, detachable parts. Preschoolers aged 3-5 can handle more complex toys but ensure they are still free from choking hazards and toxic materials. Always follow manufacturer age recommendations, as they consider developmental stages and safety standards.

Tips for Ensuring a Safe Play Environment

Creating a safe play environment goes beyond picking the right toys. Regularly check toys for wear and tear, and repair or discard damaged items promptly. Keep play areas clean and free of clutter that might cause trips. Supervise playtime, especially with younger children, to prevent accidents and ensure toys are used safely. You’ll also need to teach older siblings to keep their toys away from younger children to avoid accidents.

Keep Playtime Fun With Safe Children’s Toys

Choosing safe toys and maintaining a secure play environment means protecting young children from potential hazards. Certain toys carry certain risks, making it important to follow age-appropriate guidelines. Prioritize safety in toy selection and play area setup to support your child’s healthy development and joyful exploration. For more information on child safety solutions, contact Precious Baby Protectors. You can contact us here or call us at (281) 438-4670 for expert guidance and support.

Keeping kids safe is a big responsibility, and planning ahead and taking precautions to childproof your home can ensure that your little ones are cared for.

While preparing to have a child in your home, your backyard should also be considered. Learn how to make your backyard a safe outdoor area for kids so you can rest easy knowing that it is safe for kids of all ages in the Houston area.

Identifying Unknown Hazards in Your Backyard

While backyards are perfect for family fun, they still need some adjustments to make them a safe play area for children. Pools, for instance, are a summer favorite in Houston, but proper safety measures like secure fencing and constant adult supervision are needed to protect kids.

Lawn equipment, including mowers and trimmers, should be stored securely and checked regularly to ensure they’re in good condition, reducing the risk of accidents. Grills, another essential part of the backyard, should be placed on stable surfaces and never left unattended. Keeping flammable items away and using protective barriers can prevent mishaps.

Regular safety checks in your backyard help spot and address these risks, creating a safer space for children to play and explore.

Playground Safety: Ensuring a Safe Play Area

Backyard playgrounds offer endless fun for kids, but safety should always be a priority. Ensure all play equipment is suitable for your child’s age, and regularly check for any damage that could pose a danger, like rusted bolts or splintered wood.

The ground beneath the playground is just as important—opt for soft materials like mulch, sand, or rubber mats to cushion any falls. Always watch the kids while they play to ensure they’re using the equipment safely.

Installing Safety Features for Enhanced Protection

Enhancing backyard security can be as simple as adding a few protective features. Precious Baby Protectors offers products like pool fences that can do just that by protecting your family from avoidable accidents. Proper fencing for a pool will be tall enough to discourage climbing, ensuring that kids can only be around the pool when supervised.

Another great improvement is a safety gate blocking risky areas like toolsheds or driveways. You should also consider installing barriers around grills and fire pits to keep children at a safe distance.

In addition to physical barriers, consider incorporating technology for added security. Motion-sensor lights can illuminate outdoor areas during evening hours, deterring unwanted activity and ensuring visibility. Surveillance cameras provide an extra layer of protection, allowing you to monitor your backyard anywhere in the world. Precious Baby Protectors can help you select and install these features to enhance your backyard’s safety.

Additional Outdoor Safety Advice

Keeping your outdoor space tidy is another important safety measure. Regularly clear away debris like fallen branches or sharp objects that could cause injuries. Secure patio furniture and garden tools to prevent accidents.

For driveways, make sure they’re free of toys and clearly marked. Teach children to stay away from vehicles and supervise them when they’re playing nearby. These simple steps can reduce the risk of incidents, creating a more secure environment for children to enjoy.

Enhance the Safety of Your Yard Today with Precious Baby Protectors in Houston, TX

Your yard is one of the best parts of any home, with tons of potential for fun activities and making memories. That said, safety still needs to be a priority. Creating a safe backyard for children involves vigilance, regular maintenance, and installing protective features. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure your outdoor space is both secure and fun for the whole family.

For expert advice and top-quality safety products, contact Precious Baby Protectors online or by phone at (281) 438-4670 today. Learn more about how we can help make your backyard a safe haven for your little ones.

As a first-time parent, your primary focus is keeping your baby safe from the moment they arrive. You’ve done your research and found the safest car seat and crib. Now, you’re looking for ways to baby-proof your bathrooms and the rest of the home. With a bit of help from Precious Baby Protectors, you can keep your little one safe. 

General Safety Measures

The bathroom can be dangerous for little feet and hands with slippery floors and cleaning chemicals, but there are easy ways to keep your baby safe throughout their growing years. Here are a few general measures you can take to raise the overall safety of every bathroom in your home:

• Lock the bathroom door.
• Keep the bathroom floor clean and dry to avoid slips and falls
• Place rugs and non-slip mats on the floor, especially around areas that often get wet, such as sinks and the tub
• Remove and store any small items that have the potential to be choking hazards
• Store all cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet

These are simple tasks you can complete in a few minutes and maintain daily for your child’s safety.

Cabinet and Drawer Safety

While cabinet doors and drawers have been known to pinch tiny fingers, it’s more about keeping your sweet baby away from what’s inside them. Here’s a look at a few ways to keep your bathroom safer for your child from infancy to the toddler years and beyond:

• Keep drawers and cabinet drawers closed with child safety locks
• Store cleaning supplies, medications, and toiletries out of reach or locked in cabinets
• Remove any sharp objects from the bathroom or keep them stored in locked drawers or cabinets

There are many child safety locks, including magnetic, spring, and adhesive straps. Precious Baby Protectors can help you review your options, choose what’s best for you, and install them for you. 

Toilet Safety

With a new baby on the way, it’s time to start using bathroom safety techniques now so you don’t even think about them when your child arrives. You can start by always putting the toilet seat down. This can help avoid any accidental drownings. Keeping the lid down keeps your child safe from pinched fingers if a lid falls on them. 

You should also install a toilet lock and latch. As your baby learns to walk and move around, they’ll want to explore their surroundings, including what’s under the toilet lid. A lock or latch is an extra layer of protection for your child and your peace of mind. 

Bathing Safety 

Bathing is a special bonding time for you and your newborn; you want to keep them safe while they’re in the water. Start with these tips:

• Never leave your child alone in the bathtub
• Turn off the water before placing your child in the tub to avoid changing temperatures
• Teach your child to sit and not stand in the tub
• Place a non-stick mat in the tub
• Place a cover over the faucet
• Always check the water temperature and levels
• Use a bath ring suction-cupped seat for children who can sit up

Keeping your child safe during bathtime can be a safe and wonderful experience for you both. 

Precious Baby  Protectors: Your Partner in Creating a Safe Environment for Your Little One

You can craft a safer bathroom environment for your new baby and don’t have to do it alone. Precious Baby Protectors can work with you to make your bathroom as safe as possible. We start with an in-home consultation. Contact us to set up one today.

Image Credit: Ground Picture, Shutterstock

One of the things that will surprise you about your baby is just how curious they can be. As soon as they begin crawling around, they will reach out and grab objects as they try to learn about the world around them. Unfortunately, this exposes them to plenty of hazards lurking around your house.

The good thing is that you can baby-proof your house and ensure it is a safe environment for your infant. From a baby’s perspective, pushing buttons, tugging on items, putting everything in their mouths, and playing with various objects are all developmentally appropriate. You must keep them out of harm’s way by baby-proofing the entire house.

Here are some baby-proofing techniques to help make your house safer for your little angel.

1. Electrical

Plate covers, guards, and plug protectors are crucial when you have a crawler in the house. They help prevent your child from sticking their fingers or other items inside electrical outlets. You should also use cord-shortening devices to deal with dangling electrical cords and hide them using wide electrical tape or cord covers.

2. Stairways & Banisters

Safety gates at both ends of a staircase will help prevent your child from accessing the steps. You should also use safety netting to cover handrails on steps, balconies, and decks to ensure your toddler never falls and gets stuck there.

3. Locks & Latches

Use door handle locks or doorknob locks are ideal because they aptly fit over door levers or door knobs and typically require the two parts to be squeezed or pressed together to open. Only an adult with big hands can open such locks. You should also avoid door stoppers with rubber tips since toddlers can easily pull them apart and swallow them. 

4. Drawers & Cabinets

Replace the locks currently installed on your cabinets and drawers with adjustable ones. You should also move any cleaning products, small appliances, or choking hazards you have stored in them to higher shelves.  There are also exterior latches available to prevent the drawers and cabinets from being opened by children.

5. Baby Gates

Installing baby gates is one of the most effective ways of childproofing your house. Babies are naturally curious and will crawl into every space they can reach. Baby gates prevent them from entering rooms they shouldn’t enter or crawling up and down the stairs. 

6. Fireplace

You should never leave your baby unsupervised in the kitchen with a lit fireplace. Glass or screen doors offer inadequate protection since screens tip over and could fall onto other sharp or heavy items. Glass can also heat up to dangerous temperatures. You should use a childproof and heat-resistant lock to secure hot ovens.

7. Windows & Doors

Safety guards can help prevent your windows from opening more than four inches, except those needed for emergency escape. If possible, install windows that open from the top only. Ensure you also use door jammers to prevent your little one’s fingers from being trapped by the door.

8. Furniture

Crawling babies normally use furniture and other objects around the house to support themselves. Use edge cushions and furniture corner guards to prevent head bruises, bumps, and injuries. Ensure you also secure or move heavy or wobbly furniture to prevent it from toppling and hurting your baby.  

Ensure a Safe Environment for Your Little One with Precious Baby Protectors

The best way to protect your child from various dangers around your house is by maintaining eagle-eyed supervision. However, kids can be surprisingly quick and creative when exploring their environment. This is why you must do whatever you can to ensure your house is safe and comfortable for your little angel. The safety experts at Precious Baby Protectors offer the highest quality safety services and products and can help to baby-proof your home. Contact us today for a safety evaluation or to get a quote.

Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey , Shutterstock