MAKE SURE TOYS ARE SAFE FOR CHILDREN

As you are shopping for the children on your Christmas list, the Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition asks you to keep in mind the age of the child and the potential danger some toys pose.

Each year, there are approximately 150,000 toy-related injuries to children in the U.S. Fortunately, most of these injuries are preventable.

"If a toy is too advanced or is easily broken, the child is not going to enjoy it," said Connie Peiffer, pediatric nurse manager at Southeast Missouri Hospital. "More importantly, the toy then becomes a hazard to the child. Toys should be interesting to the child and also be well constructed, durable and safe."

Parents should be wary of the child's age and developmental stage, and buy toys appropriate to both, Peiffer added.

"Parents should not give children advanced toys, thinking the child is ready or the toy will serve as a challenge," Peiffer said. "Age guidelines on toy packaging, when available, should be followed."

The National Safe Kids Campaign is supporting federal toy-labeling legislation which will mandate that a warning be prominently placed on toys with small parts.

When shopping for gifts, keep in mind that:

-- Toys with small, removable parts are hazardous, particularly to children under age 3.

-- Toys with sharp points or edges may enable a child to unintentionally cut or stab himself or herself or another person.

-- Toys that produce loud noises may permanently harm a child's hearing.

-- Propelled toys should have soft, nonremovable ends to prevent eye injury.

-- Electric toys should be used by children who are at least 8 years old.

But toys don't pose the only danger to children around the holidays. The Christmas season brings with it the possibility of traveling to spend time with family.

Whether spending the holidays down the street or half-way around the world, parents should take some safety precautions once they reach their destination.

"People who have never parented or those with grown children can be unaware of the hazards that infants and children may face in their home," said Linda G. Brown, director of emergency services at the St. Francis Medical Center.

"As children grow, parents take fewer and fewer precautions and sometimes forget how curious kids are and the importance of keeping things out of reach, especially around the holidays."

Nearly 3,000 children die each year from injuries sustained in the home. To help reduce the risk of tragedy this year, Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition offers the following safety tips for parents interested in "child-proofing" relatives' homes.

-- Keep children out of the kitchen while preparing meals.

-- Store dangerous items out of reach.

-- Keep hot food and beverages, glassware and knives away from the edge of counters and tables.

-- Keep appliance cords, placemats and tablecloths out of reach.

-- Lock medicine cabinets.

-- Remove sharp utensils and appliances from the bathroom.

--Lower the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees F.

-- Beware of old cribs.

-- Keep beds and cribs away from windows and draperies.

-- Use a playpen for young visitors.

-- Check the house for fire hazards.

-- Post emergency numbers by the telephone.

"The holidays are such a busy time of year that few parents have time to pause and consider their children's safety," said Brown. "But taking a few small precautions around the home can make it a much happier season for everyone."