I live in a relatively small apartment so if I go one day without picking up after my toddler, my apartment becomes a total disaster. The flip side is that living in a small space demands that everything has its place, which makes cleaning up quick and easy. Books go in bookshelves; crayons, paper and googly eyes go in the craft bin; balls in the ball basket; and now that my son has more "stuff" than my husband and me combined, the million toy trains, cars and other miscellaneous items go in a toy chest.
If you're at that stage where you're surrounded by toys and need a place to put them all, a toy chest may be the answer. Before you buy one, however, you should know that they can pose real safety hazards—the lid could fall on tiny fingers or, worse, the chest could trap a child inside, if used improperly.
To help you select the safest option for you and your family, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these five suggestions when you're choosing a toy chest:
1. Select a chest that doesn't have a top or uses sliding panels.
2. If the chest does have a lid, make sure it can be removed and is lightweight.
3. A chest with a hinged lid should have a support that prevents it from closing at any angle.
4. Choose a chest with rounded or padded edges.
5. Make sure the chest has holes for ventilation in case your child climbs inside, and that the lid doesn't latch closed.
Everything you need to know about women’s health — in one place.
Positivity Was My Secret Weapon Against PCOS and Infertility
When my biological clock started ticking, I had no idea how many challenges I would face
April, 25 2024
Real Women, Real Stories5 Health Trends on TikTok: Heart or Hype?
Somatic exercises, snail mucin and the sleepy girl mocktail. Here’s what you should know and what's worth the hype.
April, 22 2024
Your WellnessiStock.com/georgeclerk
The Mental and Physical Load of Racial Trauma
The pain of racial bias can have lifelong effects on women’s physical, mental and emotional health
April, 10 2024
Your CareiStock.com/LUMEZIA
The Influence of Social Media on Contraception
Online opinions can sway the way we view birth control. Here’s why talking to your healthcare provider is more important than ever.
April, 10 2024
Sexual HealthiStock.com/Charday Penn
Biosimilars Basics
Biosimilars work the same as biologics, but cost a lot less. Here are some basic facts about these drugs.
April, 10 2024
Medication Safety