Shop smart this holiday season to protect your young ones from toy-related injuries

This December, protect your kids and other young ones from toy-related injuries.

The holiday gift-giving season is upon us, and though toys and other such gifts may seem harmless, some of them can cause harm. The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 200,000 toy-related injuries in the ER in 2020 alone, and most of the patients were 4 years old and younger. With this alarming number of cases, Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. It only takes a second for a child to suffer from an accident such as choking, falling, eye injuries, motor accidents, and even drowning. Be safe this holiday season by following these gift safety guidelines.

 

Before buying

Always consider who is receiving the gift. Whether the gift is edible, a toy that makes a lot of noise has lights or an object that is to be used outside, take a moment to consider the child’s preferences, abilities, health conditions, and if they are neurodivergent. For example, you shouldn’t give a child with sensory issues toys that light up or make too much noise. Some children may even suffer from allergies to certain products and plastics. Don’t forget to pay attention to recalls! Certain stores might pull them from the shelf, but some items can get deemed dangerous afterward. 

 

Guidelines and recommendations 

This holiday season and any time of the year, choosing safer toys and alternatives can make a world of difference. Please consider the following guidelines fit for all ages:

• Inspect all toys: Whether you are the buyer or someone has gifted the toy, always look for sharp edges, removable parts, the toy’s skill level, and its developmental/age appropriateness. 
• Toys & safety inspection: Make sure the toy or object has passed the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.
• Protective gear: Sports objects, scooters, bikes, and such should be accompanied by helmets and protective gear. 
• Lead toys: Lead exposure from old toys can lead to poisoning. Old toys should be avoided. 
• Small toys: Avoid toys with small parts, magnets, and button batteries which can pose a choking hazard for kids under three. 
• Ropes: Ropes and crayons/markers can pose a significant threat to children. 
• Non-toxic: Markers and coloring crayons should be labeled non-toxic.

 

After opening

After you’ve determined that the toys are safe for your child, and the fun magical moment of opening the gifts has arrived, the clean-up is just as important. Continue ensuring safety by: 

• Discarding wrapping and packaging right away.
• Show children how to play safely.
• Dispose of broken toys and pieces.
• Store toys away in a safe place when not in use.
• Make sure all protective gear fits the child well. 
• Throw away balloons, chords, plastic bags, plastic film, and all sharp-cutting objects.
• Handle batteries and chargers in case of any malfunctions. 

Play it safe! Choose safer toys and gifts for all your loved ones this December and beyond. Any parent can make a mistake —  that’s why it is so important to educate yourself on these overlooked threats.