Is Your Child’s Rocking Horse Safe?

It is safe to say that if you buy your child a rocking horse that he or she will have hours of fun.  But is your child's rocking horse safe? With any toy, safety is always the number one issue that a parent must consider before making a purchase. If your child’s rocking horse is not safe, you need to either update it or get rid of it all together. There are plenty of rocking horses available that will be 100% safe for your child. There are specific things that you can check to ensure that your child’s rocking horse is safe.

First, you will want to look for any exposed nails, screws, or bolts that may cause injury. If your child’s rocking horse has been poorly constructed, there is a chance that there will be some exposed nails or screws. These can cause scratches or puncture wounds and the accompanying risk of infection. If your child’s rocking horse has exposed nails or screws, make sure that you cover them up immediately.  If that is not possible, you should dispose of the toy. 

Next, make sure the child's rocking horse is sturdy enough to hold the child's weight. It is important to test this to prevent falls and injuries.  It is alsoimportant for a parent to know that the toy is stable and well balanced to avoid tipping over.

Check to ensure there are no pieces your child could break off and swallow or choke on.  Any handles, knobs or decorative pieces (mane and tail) should securely attached to the toy.

Toy manufacturers in the U.S. are held to high safety standards.  Remember, though that toys that are imported may not always have the highest quality control.  Many parents have a child's rocking horse that they saved from their own childhood or may have purchased a vintage rocking toy.  You might find a child's rocking horse built even more carefully than toys today...but they are more likely to have exposed screws or other hazards.