Pretty Little Crafters: Pinterest Hazards..be careful what you Repin!

While browsing Pinterest tonite (shocker, eh?), I came across a few pins showing off gorgeous home made toys/activity bags/etc. created for children. I was SUPER excited to see what these gifted crafters came up with, and even more excited to try it at the center I run... I clicked on the pin, searched the Blogs, and then came to a SCREECHING halt when I realized what my peepers were showing me.. Choking hazard after choking hazard after CHOKING HAZARD!!

Ok.. your typical parent is not a Director of a childcare facility and would have no way of knowing what these hazards may be. Truthfully, until I started to get down & dirty in my position, I didn't know either. Sooo.. I decided to post what I know. Even if this was to potentially save the life of ONE sweet child, I have done what God is leading me to do.. Please note I'm not trying to be Debby Downer. I just don't want any child to get hurt.. SO..Here goes... (this information was found at this link: http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/choking_prevention_for_children.htm

Important Facts

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children under the age of 5.
Children under age 5 are at greatest risk for choking injury and death.
Toys, household items and foods can all be a choking hazard.
The most common cause of nonfatal choking in young children is food.
At least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the U.S., and more than 10,000 children are taken to a hospital emergency room each year for food-choking injuries.
Toy manufacturers label toys for choking hazards and some food manufacturers voluntarily label food products as posing a potential choking risk; however, any food can present a choking risk.
Education regarding choking risks, precautions to take in avoiding these risks, and known life saving procedures are necessary to eliminate senseless and tragic injuries and deaths caused by choking.
Pediatricians, family practice physicians, health care workers, parents, grandparents, day care workers, school personnel, older children, siblings, babysitters and communities as a whole play a key role in the prevention of injuries and need to share information with caregivers to identify potential choking hazards.
The size of a young child's trachea (windpipe) or breathing tube is approximately the size of a drinking straw in diameter. Imagine a piece of popcorn being lodged in this small area!

So now what? Here's some tips I recommend for all parents whether you have infants or teenagers. It's a great idea to be educated!

-Keep an eye on items your children play with/eat/are exposed to. Just because a toy is adorable and keeps your wee one entertained does not mean it's safe.

-Go ahead and purchase a 'Small Parts Tester' (can be purchased here:http://www.perfectlysafe.com/choketester.html) These little guys are super handy and will let you know if the item baby wants to play with is a hazard. Please note there are some items that are exempt from these testers, such as balloons. If a balloon becomes lodged in a child's throat (no matter what the size is), it is extremely difficult to remove.

-Take a CPR/First Aid course!! I know if my children get into harms way, the last thing I want to do is stand back, helpless. Become educated.. There are links below that will give you worlds of knowledge..allowing you a piece of mind!

-Never EVER give your young preschooler hot dogs. They are one of the leading foods children choke on (along with popcorn, grapes, nuts, hard candy, etc..). Also.. suckers (or lollipops..whichever term you use). Certain brands don't attach the candy to the stick very well.. if you give your young one a sucker and the candy comes off of the stick, it can easily lodge in their throat. EEEKK!!

-Check items for labels such as these before you purchase them for your cutie pattotie: