AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Christmas is inching closer day by day.
Many of you may be out looking for that perfect toy to bring that one in a million smile to your child's face, but there are some toys out there that could be dangerous.
How do you spot the ones that could cause problems at your house?
There are a few key things any parent should be on the lookout for when buying toys, and one of the top priorities is to make sure your child won't choke on them.
Some say the best way to make sure a toy isn't a choking hazard is by holding it up to a cardboard tube from the center of a roll of paper towel, and always remember to buy age appropriate toys.
"For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries or death can occur. Un-inflated balloons are also a choking hazard and should be kept away from children younger than 8 years old," said CPSC Spokeswoman, Nychelle Fleming.
You should also discard any pieces of balloons immediately, and be sure that any battery charging is supervised by an adult, because those chargers and adapters can pose a thermal burn hazard to a young child.
Plus if you buy your kids toys they can ride, be sure they have the proper safety equipment to go along with it.
"Include safety gear whenever shopping for sports-related gifts, ride-on toys, bicycles, skates and scooters. Wheeled toys can go fast and falls can be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and be sized to fit."
Also always be aware of where your children are playing.
"Young children should avoid playing with ride on toys near automobile traffic, pools and ponds. They should also avoid playing in indoor areas associated with hazards such as kitchens, and bathrooms and in rooms with corded window blinds."
Another good idea, have a trash bag ready when your kids are opening presents.
Throw away plastic or toy packaging right away before it becomes dangerous.
If you follow those bits of advice, and use a little common sense, you can make sure you and your family have a safe and happy holiday.
For more information you can check out cpsc.org
