Safety in Wooden Toy Crafts
Building handmade toys is a very rewarding and interesting hobby to get into. The possibilities are really endless. you can build classic pull toys, make handmade blocks, or even create unique dolls. making toys is a fun way to get into woodworking or to expand a woodworking hobby. There are just a few things to know before you get started. Here we will discuss common safety concerns with wooden toys so that you can safely enjoy your new craft.
-Choking Hazards in general, toys and toy parts should not be able to fit down a toilet paper tube. Consider this especially if the toy is going to go to a small child or baby. keep in mind that decorations or broken parts can become choking hazards later.
-Impalement Hazards Avoid creating toys that could impale a child if they fell on it. Sharp ends, long thin pieces, and other slender objects could be dangerous if a child fell on them and punctured part of their body.
-Toxic Finishes be careful about what types of finishes and glues you use on toys. some paints, glues and stains can contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Toxic gas fumes can cause illnesses and allergies that are not healthy for children or adults. Look for all natural, non-toxic or natural paints and glues for finishing toys.
-Sharp Edges Children's toys should be free of sharp edges and points. Watch out for exposed nails, screw heads or threads, and staples. Smooth out corners with sandpaper. Not only will your toys have a more professional look, they will feel better to touch and play with as well.
-Strings and Other Decorations Remember that strings and decorations could pose strangulation or choking hazards. never give a toy with a string to a small child. Consider using a thick, wood dowel for a handle instead of a string for pull toys.
-Consider Breakage Toys that are large enough to ride or climb on should be able to hold the weight of an adult.
-Holes think about the size of the holes in toys that you make. Children can get their fingers trapped in holes of the right size. think bigger than a dime or smaller than a pea when creating toys with holes.
-Tipping Hazards Anything that weighs more than ten pounds could be a hazard if it lands on a child. if it weighs more than ten pounds and is also taller than two feet, it may need to be anchored to the wall to avoid tipping, crushing and entrapment.
-Suffocation Hazards Make sure that if you make something that a child could fit into that it has a wide, unobstructed vent so that children cannot suffocate if trapped inside.
Overall, you should remember to use high quality hardwoods that do not break easily. you can purchase wooden toy parts and decorations that are specifically designed with safe finishes for toys. for spindles and axels, you can order a "%20/ hardwood dowel instead of a regular wood dowel. Don't use generic pieces of wood that may not be safe. Check with manufacturers to make sure that the pieces you use will be safe for your recipients. Using quality wood products and following safety guidelines will help you to create the heirloom quality treasures that you are hoping for.
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