Finding a balance: how to choose a toy for a child and not to be torn between “want” and “safe”

Children love toys: with their help you can build whole worlds in your head, have fun, find friends. Parents, of course, also like them – when a child is fond of a toy, adults have time for themselves. Although leaving a baby alone with an object is sometimes scary: what can he do with it and what will it lead to? Rospotrebnadzor in St. Petersburg and Leningrad region tells how to find a balance between children’s “want” and adults “safe”.

The first rule for finding a safe toy is the place to buy. Rospotrebnadzor advises to avoid spontaneous markets, purchases “with hands” or installed somehow and somewhere trading tents. The reliability of the store is confirmed by a sign with the owner’s data and an information corner for consumers, where, among other things, there is a complaint book. Sellers who can not show even the documents for the goods should be avoided.

Many parents do not look at the label. That's a big mistake. The label is literally a passport of a toy, in which clearly, clearly and easily should be described not only its essence, but also the composition, material from which it is made, and other really important details. If the text is blurred or written so finely that something is simply impossible to understand (or it does not exist at all), you should be wary and put the toy away.

On the label of the goods must be the name, country-manufacturer, manufacturer data, age limit, production date and service life, if necessary, instructions for care. In Rospotrebnadzor emphasize that the sale of toys without marking is illegal.

There are special rules for children under three years old. They often like to try the world “by the tooth” (literally), so you need to choose carefully. The purchase should not be glass or porcelain, with fur, paper or cardboard (they are unhygienic and can deteriorate quickly), without small parts that the child will easily swallow, without sharp corners and edges, as well as filler pellets less than three millimeters.

When choosing a soft toy, pay attention to the seams. They must be strong and contain the filler. Inside, of course, can not be any hard or prickly objects.

Even if a teddy bear seems perfect, always bring a check from the store. This is a guarantee that if a defect or defect is discovered, you can return the money or change the goods.