The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) requires product recall from end users and urges them to remove the listing by the online marketplace, Etsy. Lucy & Leo Magnetic Breakfast Cooking Set has been subject to a product recall with the product description: "A wooden set of kitchen items and food for play, some of which include magnets. Items include eggs, apples, bananas, orange, cake, patties, salt and pepper, strawberry, knife, tray, cutting board, and a plastic tray mat sheet with felt lettuce and cheese."
The product presents a high risk of choking as small parts such as the plastic matt, salt and pepper tray, and tray can be easily separated or produced when used. The little child may place such a small part in their mouth while the parents, including carers, may not immediately notice, with the small amount able to block your child's airways.
The product needs massive improvements, specifically in labeling. Moreover, the product does not meet the current requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Things to consider when buying toys
One of the essential things to bear in mind when buying toys is to consider the child's habits, temperament, and behaviour. Remember, even if your child seems advanced compared with kids of similar ages, they are still not allowed to use or play with toys only designed for older kids. The age levels of certain toys are all determined by safety factors and not by the maturity or intelligence of a particular child.
Moreover, parents should always remember that although toys are fun and essential to every child's development, they also come with risks. Choking is common for young kids ages three or below as they tend to put objects in their mouths.
Parents are advised to avoid buying toys with small bean-like pellets or stuffings as this can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed. Thus, purchase sturdy plastic toys. Furthermore, thin and cheap plastic toys may easily break into sharp pieces. Also, avoid buying toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning.
Roughly 3 billion toys are sold in the United States. UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh says to always read the instructions and warnings on the packaging.
Why is safety important when choosing a toy?
Basically, making children safe at all times is one of the responsibilities of the parents. Some little kids might not be aware of what is safe for them, so they might swallow some small parts of toys, thinking it is food or they're just curious. Some toys might harm the kid's badly, especially those with sharp features or those that are easy to break.
Thus, parents must be cautious when choosing a toy for their children.
You can do the smell test to determine if the toy is toxic. Solid fragrances can trigger allergies or asthma in children. Moreover, do not buy toys with small parts, particularly with small children.
Safe Kids York County reported that choking is the leading cause of toy-related death. Other toy-related deaths are associated with sustaining more injuries. Importantly, do not overwhelm kids with toys; only buy things that are essential and beneficial for your child's development.