Back-to-School: Clothing safety—The hidden hazards of school outfits

Consumer Reports News: August 27, 2010 12:09 AM

Drawstrings can be a hazard on kid's clothes; the dangling strings are too easily caught on anything from school bus doors to playground equipment. In the past 20 years there were 23 deaths due to garment drawstrings becoming entangled, and 64 non-fatal incidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many outer garments have been recalled for this hazard. You can check the recalls list at www.recalls.gov. Before you send your student off to school, be sure to cut any drawstrings from jackets and hooded sweatshirts.

Read more and comment

Also be aware that a jacket or backpack can camouflage a child who's walking to or from school, waiting for the bus, or crossing a street or parking lot. Consider putting reflective tape on backpacks, jackets, and other outerwear.

Make sure your kids have the correct footwear for gym class. That means no Crocs or flip-flops. Sneakers are your best bet, and are also the safest for running around at recess time. And we recommend staying away from sneakers with wheels (also known as Heelys), no matter how much your child begs for a pair. Because of safety hazards, many schools have banned them.

Before you buy anything, read our suggestions for how to save on back-to-school shopping.

See our previous posts on school safety. Next up: School playground safety.

—Maggie Shader