How safe are your kids' toys and gifts this Christmas?

With the holiday season rolling around again, lots of us are already planning Christmas dinners, family get-togethers and buying gifts for your children and those of friends and relatives. But, have you thought about the safety of kids' toys this year? There are a lot of dangerous children's toys around, and many of them get distributed right at Christmas. Prevent Blindness America sponsors Safe Toys and Gifts Month to raise awareness that toys can cause serious eye injuries and even blindness.

Eye injuries are, of course, not the only danger that can come from toys. Many toys are made out of toxic materials, can pose choking danger due to small parts that can come off, can be sharp and cause cuts, and numerous other hazards that most of us don't even want to think about. But, Prevent Blindness has, as you can see from their very name, the specific goal of preventing blindness. And they have come up with some tips that can prevent toys from hurting kids' eyes. Let's have a look at what they say.

While your kids are playing with toys, Prevent Blindness America says, you should supervise them and make sure that young kids don't play with toys meant for older children. Storing toys in their proper places after play doesn't just give you a clean house; it also prevents children from tripping over them or related risks. Scissors and glue can be extremely dangerous, so crafts deserve to be supervised cautiously. And, is what to watch out for before you buy a toy this Christmas:

Check that the your Christmas gifts meet safety standards. In US, toys should have the mark of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) on them. Other countries have their own labels. Read all the warnings on the toy's packaging before purchasing. Visually inspect the toy for sharp bits, spiky parts, and dangerous edges. Test the sturdiness of the toys you buy in advance.

If you'd like to read more about giving gifts, read: Great gifts for expectant moms.