Already Buying Gifts for Xmas. Unicare Life and Health Insurance and the Policy Store are Joining Together to Make More People Aware.
Learning a few helpful tips about toy safety can prevent many unnecessary accidents and help children get the most enjoyment out of their toys.
(PRWEB) November 28, 2004
When purchasing toys for children there are two important things to keep in mind:
Choose toys that are appropriate for the child's age. Children tend to want 'big kid' toys, but this may present potential harm for the child. Keep in mind the child's interests and abilities. Toys too advanced may frustrate the child instead of helping them to learn and have fun.
Smart shoppers always read product labels. These labels can provide important information about appropriate age levels, safety warnings, and instructions. Read the instructions, if provided, before letting your child use the toy. Improper use or assembly of the toy may be unsafe for the child. The Toy Industry Association, Inc. gives basic criteria for labels. The criteria include:
Safety warnings such as choking hazards, flame retardant/flame resistant, and proper toy care instructions. Safety certification as indicated by the initials UL on the label representing Underwriters Laboratories, a product testing and certification organization. Physical ability of a child to manipulate the toy. Cognitive ability to understand how to use the toy. Interests of the child.
When shopping for children under the age of three, avoid toys that have sharp edges or points and toys with strings. Avoid toys with small parts as they can present possible choking hazards. Toys should be large enough so as not to become stuck in a child's throat. According to the American Red Cross, objects the size of buttons, beads, coins, nuts and grapes all represent potential choking hazards. Inspect all toys before giving them to children. Toys should be sturdy and able to withstand the wear and tear of a child. Old toys should also be periodically inspected for safety. If a toy is broken, repair it immediately. If it cannot be properly fixed, throw the toy away.
Not sure what age appropriate toys to purchase for your child? The Toy Industry Association, Inc. suggests the following gift ideas:
Birth to Six Months:
Rattles Soft Dolls Floor Gyms Musical Toys Teething Toys Safety Mirrors
Toy Safety continued
Six Months to One Year:
Bath Toys Push-Pull Toys Stacking Toys Balls (1 ¾ inches & larger) Squeeze/Squeak Toys
One to Two Years:
Wagons Ride-on Toys Play Vehicles Playhouse Musical Instruments Non-toxic Art Supplies
Two to Three Years:
Tricycle & Helmet Blocks with Letters & Numbers Play Vehicles Sandbox & Sand Toys Story Books Hand & Finger Puppets
Three to Six Years:
Bicycle & Helmet Puzzles Construction Toys Simple Board Games Arts & Crafts Tape Player & Tapes
Hope this saves a little sorrow and replaces it with Happy squeals of delight and Praise! Be sure to check out other information that we are offering as a way to educate our members and the public.
HO HO HO
Don't forget that UNICARE serves 1.7 million medical members and is the national operating subsidiary of WellPoint Health Networks Inc., the nationÂ’s second largest publicly traded health care company. WellPoint serves the health care needs of more than 15 million medical members and approximately 46 million specialty members. WellPoint offers a broad spectrum of quality network-based health products including open access PPO, POS and hybrid products, HMO and specialty products. Specialty products include pharmacy benefit management, dental, utilization management, vision, mental health, life and disability insurance, long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, COBRA administration, and Medicare supplements. UNICARE can be found on the web at www. unicare. com.
For more information on UNICARE PPO plans individuals can call 1-866-526-9669 toll-free access for the Policy Store, or visit our website at www. PolicyStore. com.
Other Sites that are of interest of Jeff Cline:
Www. PolicyStore. com
Www. thePolicyStore. com
Www. Unicare. biz
Www. Unicare-health-insurance. com
Www. UnicareAgents. com
Www. Unicare-Unicare. com
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