EDMONTON ¡ª Âé¶¹Ó³» is promoting toy safety for babies and young children to mark Safe Kids Week, an annual safety initiative led by , which started Monday.
When buying toys:
- Choose age-appropriate toys and always check labels for safety warnings.
- Test if a toy is a choking hazard. If a toy or toy part can fit through a cardboard toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard for children under three years of age.
- Avoid that could get caught around a child¡¯s neck.
- Stay up to date on .
- Be aware of things such as , , , and sensory water beads that may look like toys but are to children.
- Buy toys with secure battery compartments.
After buying toys:
- Remove and throw away or recycle all toy packaging. Follow assembly instructions.
- Check toys for loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges.
During playtime:
- Check where your child will be playing for tripping hazards, unsafe toys, loose cables, wet floors or things that may have been dropped.
- Actively watch your child and stay close enough to act if needed.
- Teach your child to use toys only as they¡¯re meant to be used.
What to do if your child has been injured:
- Call 911 if a child has been injured and it¡¯s a serious, life-threatening emergency.
- Act quickly if you think a child has . Take them to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
- Call 911 or PADIS at 1-800-332-1414 if you are concerned a child has been poisoned.
Âé¶¹Ó³» is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services to more than four million adults and children living in Âé¶¹Ó³». Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Âé¶¹Ó³»ns. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.