Photo: Health Canada

Santa will be bringing bundles of toys to children soon and it's important to keep an eye on safety with the new toys.

Health Canada released safety tips about battery safety, vinyl toys, magnets and other small parts of toys.

“In Canada, all toys are regulated to make sure they are safe for use by children,” states Health Canada. “Unsafe toys can make their way onto store shelves and into homes and sometimes the ways toys are used can expose children to hazards. 

Being informed and aware of potential risks will help you protect your child's health and safety.

Health Canada says baby walkers are very unsafe and were banned from being sold in Canada in 2004, and that trampolines are not toys and can seriously injure children.

There are six chemicals restricted from children’s toys such as DEHP, DINP, DBP, BBP, DNOP, and DIDP.

“Just because you can buy arts and crafts materials in stores doesn't mean they are free from health and safety hazards,” says Health Canada.

Children can also swallow small magnets and be seriously injured. These small magnets can often be found in construction sets, puzzles, toy jewellery and dress-up items, action figures and dolls, board games and train sets.

“Swallowing magnets can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences,” said Health Canada. 

General toy safety tips to keep your children safe this holiday season are listed below: 

• When buying toys, look for sturdy and well-made ones that include the manufacturer's contact information.
• Read and follow all age labels and safety messages.
• Keep small toys and any loose parts/accessories out of the reach of children under three years of age.
• Repair or throw away broken toys. Check often for loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges that could harm children.
• Keep all toys - especially plush and soft toys - away from heat sources like stoves, fireplaces and heaters.