The annual Trouble in Toyland report is concerned about recalled toys being sold online or second-hand, choking hazards, magnets and gaming console accessibility.
The Florida PIRG Education Fund’s Trouble in Toyland report has provided a guide to protecting children from dangerous toys for 35 years.
Toy dangers you can identify
Recalled toys
The report says to be mindful when shopping for toys at garage sales and second-hand stores to make sure it hasn't already been recalled. You can search on saferproducts.gov to see if a toy is recalled or not.
RECALL ALERTS | The latest recalls that could affect you and your family
Choking hazards
The report recommends testing a product to see if it poses a choking hazard before handing it over to your child.
"Gift givers should use care when purchasing online, even if the toy says it’s meant for a 1-year-old or 2-year old," the report says. "And parents with young children should thoroughly inspect toys, regardless of what the label does or doesn’t say.:
Loud Noises
The report says toys that are too loud can hurt a child's hearing. They recommend testing the toy first to see if you think it's too loud, and if it is you can remove the batteries or cover the speaker with tape to muffle it.
Magnets and other items
The report recommends parents keep an eye on magnets and toys with magnets.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends25 that these products should not be sold at all," the report says. "6 If you have high-powered magnets in your home, never allow young children to play with them, and talk with older children about the dangers of being careless and leaving them within reach of their siblings."
Read the full report below
