Warns Parents About Choking Hazards to Young Children
Announces New Recall of Toys Posing Choking Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September is Baby Safety Month and the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is asking parents and caregivers to
check their home for items that may pose a choking hazard to young
children. CPSC also announced a recall that presents a choking hazard
due to detaching small parts -- 140,000 pair of Reebok toddler athletic
shoes.

Each year, CPSC receives about 15 reports of choking deaths to children
under age 3. Some of these deaths involve items that are considered
known hazards such as small toys, toy parts, balloons, balls and
marbles. In addition to known hazards, such as balloons, there are many
tragic deaths each year that result from hidden hazards. These are often
small objects not intended for use by children but that accidentally end
up in their hands and mouths.

"Parents and caregivers should stay on the lookout for small parts
breaking off of toys or young children getting their hands on items
intended for older siblings," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Marbles
and balls are the most recognizable hazards; but everyday household
items also pose choking dangers."

Choking has long been the leading cause of toy-related deaths to young
children. To help prevent these deaths, the Commission requires
age-appropriate labeling on toys and products for older children that
contain small parts. Toys designed for children 3 and older should be
kept away from young children.

Balloons, a leading cause of toy-related deaths, are often a favorite of
young children. However, un-inflated balloons and fragments from popped
balloons can choke and kill a small child.

CPSC has designed new choking awareness posters to educate parents and
caregivers about the potential hazards to young children regarding small
parts. The posters are available in English and Spanish (both
downloadable here in portable document format - pdf). Steps parents can
take to keep their children safe include:

* Keep small objects like small toys and parts of toys, marbles,
balloons, small balls and coins off the floor and out of reach of
children.

* Toys designed for older children should be kept out of the hands of
little ones.

* Follow labels that give age recommendations; these age recommendations
are based on safety concerns.

* Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger
siblings.

* Check the eyes and noses of stuffed animals to ensure they are
properly secured.

To view this press release online, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04216.html