Who else who less, with children at home, have to manage to order or at least keep the toys. But attention, because one of the most used systems for this purpose can lead to problems. Chests for toys can be dangerous for children, causing various accidents.
There are not a few accidents that occur, nor are they very minor, leading many children to the ER, especially those between one and four years old. The danger is in all kinds of specially manufactured containers for storing toys, as well as boxes, wicker or wooden trunks and similar ones.
According to data obtained from the European Injury Database (IDB) in the 28 Member States of the European Union there are approximately 500 injuries to children between zero and 14 years of age related to toy trunks.
If we move to the other side of the Atlantic, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported several child deaths (45) because the lid of one of these toy containers fell on their heads and three children who suffered irreversible brain damage.
The risk of toy trunks may be in strangulation or suffocation for children if their heads get trapped inside. Gravity accidents can also occur if the child climbs into the trunk to play or hide, or gets trapped inside (these containers lack ventilation).
Neck or head injuries if the cover falls on them, when they are tilted over the open trunk, are also frequent. The fingers and hands are also usually between the injured body parts due to these trunks, when they try to open it, close it, or are resting on the open trunk.
So, do we have to give up trunks for toys if we want to prevent these accidents? Are some trunks safer than others? How to use them safely? We see it below.
Tips when buying and using trunks for toys
The European Union Security Guide recommends the following before purchase and for the good use of toy trunks:
Check that the toy chest meets the requirements stipulated in EN 71-1: 2011: Toy safety. Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties.
The use of hinged trunks that freely drop the lid is not recommended. It is best that the lid is light and has no closure. It is worth checking that the child can open and close it safely.
It is recommended to purchase a trunk that contains a stop so that the lid does not come down or one with the lid completely loose. Some trunks have a space under the lid to prevent the child from suffocating inside.
A cover with spring mechanism (can be installed afterwards) can prevent the cover from falling suddenly by hitting the child's neck or leaving him trapped if he plays inside the trunk.
Another feature we can look for is the trunk has ventilation holes and that these are not blocked when you approach the wall.
If we have a trunk with a lid, it is recommended to remove it if the hinges do not have a stop and where the lid falls freely, in order to avoid possible injuries. Another alternative would be to install a support to keep the lid open in any position.
In addition, we remind you to check that the closing mechanism works well, from time to time, not to let the child get into the trunk, explaining the risks and as far as possible not to leave it alone (and this for many other dangers what is in the home).
As we have seen, toy chests can be dangerous for children, so we also have to be vigilant in this regard. Are you happy with the trunks you have at home or have you had any fright with them?
