DATCP Officials Talk Toy Shopping Safety

As the holiday shopping season continues – state consumer
protection officials are asking people who have toys on their gift list for a
child or grandchild to keep safety in mind before they buy.

Michelle Reinen, head of the state Consumer Protection
Bureau says it’s important to make sure the toys you’re buying are
age-appropriate for who is going to be receiving them. “if they’re
three-and-under, make sure that you’re not introducing choking hazards, you’re
watching for small pieces, magnets, chemicals,” Reinen said. “If you have kids
that are between that – from three to seven years old – you’re looking for
hazards that might be with electronics or heating elements,” she said.

Reinen says parents should be sure to buy any related
safety items for a toy – such as a helmet or safety pads for a bike, scooter or
other toy. She also suggests parents check for recalled toys on the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at CPSC.gov.