When it comes to holiday toy shopping for children, parents, and gift givers should keep a number of safety considerations in mind, including age appropriateness.
“Always check the age rating on toys. These recommendations are based on safety testing for that age group, not a child’s intelligence or maturity,” notes Marie Grace Ponce, M.D., division chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Toys for older children may contain small parts or require a level of dexterity that younger children do not possess, leading to frustration and potential injury.”
Unfortunately, each year, there are a number of toy-related injuries seen in emergency departments, including lacerations and choking. In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 10 deaths and nearly 155,000 emergency visits for children under 12 related to toy injuries. Falls account for a number of injuries, often from riding toys like bikes and non-motorized scooters. Important things to keep in mind include:
- Choking Hazards: For children under three, any toy or part of a toy should be larger than the opening of a toilet paper tube to prevent choking. Be especially wary of toys with small, detachable parts like eyes or buttons on stuffed animals. Even uninflated balloons or pieces of broken balloons can pose a serious choking risk.
- Beware of Batteries and Magnets: Button batteries and small, powerful magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed. They can cause serious internal injuries or even be fatal. Keep toys with these components away from young children.
- Riding Toy Safety: For items like scooters and bikes, ensure they are sturdy and appropriate for the child’s size and skill level. Don’t forget to include a helmet and other protective gear as part of the gift.
- Make them Secure: Make sure any holiday decorations, regardless of how heavy they are, are securely in place to prevent falls and injuries.
There are other holiday-specific hazards besides toys, of which adults should be aware. Even decorations can pose a safety risk. “Take extra time to plan for safety. It’s best to keep breakable ornaments and those with small, detachable parts out of reach of small children by placing them on higher branches of the tree,” shares Virteeka Sinha, M.D., division chief, Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center. “As in other areas, here is a case where an ounce of prevention will keep you out of the Emergency Department.”
“Also be mindful of potentially poisonous holiday plants like mistletoe and holly berries. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it is well-watered to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard, and never leave candles unattended and within reach of children,” adds Dr. Sinha.
There are other things, too, that might not readily come to mind, say the doctors. For instance, when guests are over, be aware that their purses and bags may contain items that are dangerous for children, such as medications or other small items.
Don’t forget to immediately discard any plastic wrap or other packaging from toys or decorations that might pose a danger to younger children.
And consider certain seasonal foods and drinks you may be serving, as they can also pose a safety risk. Keep hot foods and drinks away from the edges of tables and counters where they can be pulled down by a curious child. Also, be mindful of small, hard foods that can be choking hazards for young children, such as nuts and hard candies.
By taking a few extra steps to read packaging, look around your home, and keep certain items out of reach, you can ensure a safe environment for children this holiday season.
