Common Issues in Childcare Products and Toys
Children are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Firstly, they are mentally limited to identify the dangers around them. Secondly, they are physically limited to protect themselves from these dangers, regardless of them being aware of the danger or not.
It is just tragic to think that childcare products and toys – products that are supposed to help the children – have the chance of being the ones who actually cause the children harm. According to the website of Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, entire companies can be held accountable for the pain and suffering caused by their defective childcare products and toys.
But what exactly are these defects? Below are some of the most common issues associated with childcare products and toys. At DoMyEssay you will find a lot of additional information from examples of high-quality essays on any topic.
Age-unsuitability
The products may not have any “defects” in the most basic sense of the term, but them being age-inappropriate can still make them potentially dangerous. Labels play an important role here. Designers and manufacturers should make sure that the age label in their products are correct. If the products are used by a different age group, especially a younger one, they may cause physical or mental harm.
The most common age-unsuitability cases include:
- Choking hazards, such as small and detachable parts
- Dangerous designs, like pointy corners and sharp edges
- Dangerous parts, such as fans and motors
- Sexual or violent content
Choking Hazard
Even though choking hazards are already in the age-unsuitability category, they still deserve an entry in this list because not all choking hazards are caused by age bracket problems. But whatever the case may be, the fact that children are at risk of choking, asphyxiation, and other related conditions doesn’t change. Here are the most common choking hazards:
- Detachable parts
- Products that are too easy to break
- Products that are small enough to be put into the mouth, but not big enough to be swallowed effectively
- Small, round, and hard objects like marbles
Dangerous Materials
Some products are just downright dangerous for children, so using them in childcare products and toys are negligent and unacceptable. Some products may cause minor skin irritations, but some can potentially lead to fatal complications and comatose. Here are some dangerous materials that can be present in childcare products and toys:
- Chemicals such as mercury
- Combustible materials
- Excessive foams, plastics, and rubbers
- Metals and metalloids like lead and arsenic