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As the holiday shopping season is in full swing, it's vital to keep safety top of mind when purchasing toys for kids. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an alarming 231,700 toy-related injuries for all ages treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2023. Whether you’re headed to stores or shopping online this holiday season, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Tips for buying toys for younger children include:
- Avoid toys that are smaller than 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 2 ¼ inches in length, so they can’t be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. Also, steer clear of anything with marbles, coins, and balls that are 1 ¾ inches or less in diameter.
- Babies and toddlers also should not be given toys with sharp ends or small parts such as eyes, buttons, or wheels that can be pulled loose, strings longer than 7 inches, or parts that can pinch fingers.
- Fabric toys should be labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Painted toys should contain only lead-free paint. Read labels carefully.
- Battery-operated toys should have a case for the batteries that close with screws, so children cannot open them.
- If a toy has a volume control, it should be set to the lowest level to reduce the risk of hearing damage.
- When shopping online, be cautious of counterfeit and imitation toys. Shop only from reputable brands and sellers.
For older children who have bikes, scooters, or skateboards on their wish lists, make sure those presents include a properly fitted helmet. Liliana Delgado, MSN, RN, Director of the Trauma Program at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, says, “When gifting ride-on gifts like e-scooters, hoverboards, or e-bikes, make sure to check age and weight limits; many are designed for teens, not young children.” She recommends that parents and guardians supervise the use of electric vehicles and ensure that teens avoid night riding, as there has been an increase in injuries from falls off them, especially at night. Helmets with NTA 8776 certification are highly recommended for e-bike riders as they are designed to protect against impacts at higher speeds. Lastly, never charge any electronic vehicles overnight or near flammable materials. A helmet and a few ground rules can turn holiday fun into safe fun.
Buying safe toys is just the first step. Once the gifts are unwrapped, supervise children’s play to ensure they are using the toys correctly. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Taking these steps will make for a merry—and safe—holiday. Don't forget to share these safety tips with other parents and caregivers to ensure a safe holiday season for all children.
