The General Consumer Secretariat for the toy category proposes the following:
a) All toys must bear the “CE” mark which is a declaration by the manufacturer that the toy is manufactured in accordance with European safety standards. Also, the toys must bear the name or the company name and the mark as well as the address of the manufacturer or his agent or the importer in the market, as well as the instructions for use in the Greek language.
b) Carefully read the labels that indicate the age at which the toy is safe and the instructions for use. Pay special attention to toys with the prohibition symbol, which is marked 0-3 CE in a circle, which means that the toys are not suitable for children under the age of three, because they contain or contain small pieces that can be swallowed by a child, at risk of drowning.
c) Watch out for toys that should only be used under adult supervision or assembled according to certain rules.
d) Choose toys that promote the child’s initiative, ingenuity, creativity and skills. The best toy is not necessarily the most expensive, but the one that suits the age, personality and maturity of a child.
e) Pay special attention to toys that may adversely affect children’s mental health. Such as games that incite violent behavior and lead to an increase in violence and terror, discrimination and / or racist behavior or incitement to juvenile addictions and activities that are harmful to themselves.
Signal 0-3
This symbol is often displayed on toys to warn consumers if they are “unsuitable for children under 36 months”.
CE mark
The CE marking is a mark affixed to toy packaging to ensure that the product is safe and in compliance with the requirements of Community law.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
Choose age-appropriate toys. Check the packaging for the age recommended by the manufacturer. Age ratings are not only for safety but also to ensure that your child will not get annoyed or bored with the game. Do not base your purchases on what your child is asking for – make sure you buy a toy that is both fun and safe. Remind gift recipients of the child’s skills, abilities, and interests, as well as the importance of choosing toys appropriate for his or her age.
Remember the safety equipment. If you buy toys with wheels, such as bicycles, tricycles and skates, make sure the child has the required safety equipment, such as a helmet and knee pads, in the right size. It would be a great disappointment not to have the right safety equipment to try out a new bike, roller skates or other similar gift.
Consult an expert. Not sure what toy to buy? Do you have questions about assembling a product or what is right for the child from your list? The staff of Moustakas stores is trained and informed and can help you find the right gift for every child.
Store toys safely. Teach children to store toys safely after play. Safe storage prevents falls and other injuries. Also, if your child receives a toy that is unsuitable for their younger siblings (it has small parts or sharp edges, needs electricity, etc.) find a safe place where you can keep the toy out of the little ones’ hands. . While it is important to share with others, parents need to keep in mind that children of different ages also have different safety needs. And if your child receives a gift that will be appropriate after a certain age, do not hesitate to hide it until then.
Supervise play. Children should be monitored during play to ensure their safety and proper use of their toys. Parents, educators and older siblings / relatives should set the right example for children by showing them the right and safe way to play and use their toys. This is especially important during the holiday season when children of all ages gather to play.
Check packaging and toys. Before buying a toy, make sure that its packaging is not open or torn, which indicates that the toy may be damaged. Also check the design and construction of the toy – the better the quality the more likely it is to withstand wear and tear. Once you get home check the toy to make sure there are no missing pieces and that all instructions, warranty and any product registration information are included.
Read the instructions. If the toys need to be assembled, make sure you follow the instructions exactly. If possible, do not wait until the last minute to read the instructions – this will help you to avoid unforeseen dangers that may result from a faulty assembly. Also make sure you read the instructions for the toy to your child to make sure he knows how to use it safely.
Remove packaging. Before giving your child a toy, remove all packaging, but make sure you keep the instructions and registration information, if any. Many children’s toys are securely packed in boxes, with plastic straps or accessories that hold them in place – this can be dangerous if left in the hands of a small child.
Check the toy box. Parents should check their toys regularly for broken parts, missing pieces, or other hazards. The upcoming holidays give a great opportunity to “clear” the box of toys (and make room for new toys). Do not hesitate to throw away worn or broken toys. Battery-operated toys should be checked to make sure the batteries are not leaking or out of the reach of children. It is always a good idea to periodically clean all the toys your children play with – especially if you have many children at home.
