The Department of Health Davao Region cautioned the public to shop wisely for safe toys to give as gifts this holiday season.
A safe toy, as defined by the DOH, is something which is “suitable for the child’s physical capabilities, mental and social development, durable, and safe for the child’s age.”
“We must also make sure the quality and safety of the toy, aside from looking at the value and from being appealing and suitable for a child’s age,” Health Assistant Secretary and Davao Regional Director Abdullah Dumamah explained.
For newborns to one-year-old, the Health Department suggests those toys such as rattles, large and brightly colored balls, washable stuffed dolls and animals with huge and clearly defined faces.
Meanwhile, toddlers or children ages two to three years old are recommended with toys such as dolls, wooden animals and rocking horses, sturdy kiddie cars, and modeling clay.
“Always check labels on the packaging and observe precautions appearing in tags,” Dumamah stated, adding that the buyers must make sure that the child will play with a toy suited for his or her age under adult supervision
Dumamah also reminded the parents and guardians to dispose plastic packaging accordingly and keep it out of reach of children.
DOH also released an advisory that the following toys are not recommended for children under three years old: balls with a diameter lesser than two inches; toys that are breakable into small parts or pieces (glass or brittle plastics) and those containing with small detachable parts or pieces which could become swallowed, and toys with sharp points and edges so as to prevent choking and other injuries.
Also, Dumamah warned on toys that may contain harmful chemicals such as lead.
“Toy manufacturers, importers, and distributors are mandated to secure Certificate of Conformity from Food and Drug Administration for the toys they sell or offer,” Dumama said.
He added that the establishments must be diligent in ensuring that toys are toxic-free and consumers are strongly advised to buy their toy gifts from “legitimate” toy institutions.
“Salubungin natin ang Pasko at Bagong Taon nang ligtas, masaya, at puno ng pag-asa. Tiyakin natin na ang ireregalong laruan ay magbibigay ng saya at hindi disgrasaya,” Dumamah concluded.
