Online Toy Store Safety Tips

Online toy stores are ideal places to shop for toys. Your chances of locating that hard to find toy are much higher online, and you can easily compare prices and read reviews before making your purchase.

Of course, while you surf the online toy stores, do not forget to keep safety in mind. Here are 3 quick tips for buying safe toys online:

1. Do not buy building sets with magnets for children under the age of 6

Small magnets that come loose from toys pose a severe choking hazard. If you buy a building set or other toy with small magnets, make sure you purchase your toy from a reputable toy manufacture. Once you get the toy home, regularly inspect the set to be sure none of the magnets have come loose. Be sure to keep small magnets away from young children who might swallow them.

2. If you are buying a scooter, skateboard, bicycle or other riding toy, buy a helmet as well

When you are buying a bicycle, scooter or other riding toy, be sure to purchase the necessary safety related equipment. Every child should have a multipurpose, and proper fitting, helmet that can be used for bicycles, scooters, and other riding toys. Elbow pads and knee pads are also essential for skateboarding and can be especially helpful when your child is first learning to ride a bike.

3. Never buy small balls or toys with other small parts for children under the age of 3

Small balls and other toys with small parts pose a choking hazard for children under the age of 3. Be sure to check the manufacturer's age recommendations and any warning indicating that the toy would not be safe for children under the age of 3. If you are shopping at an online toy store and there is no recommended age range for the toy you are considering, do not purchase the toy for a child under the age of 3. Find a similar toy that specifies the recommended age range on another website.