Give the Gift of Toy Safety

‘Tis the season for gift giving and for many kids that means one thing – new toys! BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist Gina Baez reminds us that while searching for the perfect gifts for the little ones in our life, be sure to keep safety a priority. 

“The list of must-have toys may change from year-to-year, but child safety never goes out of style,” said Baez. 

While legitimate toymakers have worked hard to make their products safer over the years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that toy-related injuries sent close to 158,000 children to emergency departments in 2023.

According to Baez, appropriate selection and proper use of toys, combined with parental supervision, can greatly reduce the incidence and severity of toy-related injuries.

When selecting gifts this holiday season, be sure to:

• Choose toys suitable to the child’s age, interest and skill level. Age labels are for safety reasons and not intended as developmental ratings. “If a package indicates the toy isn’t suitable for children under 3, it doesn’t mean that your 2-year-old won’t be able to figure out how to play with the toy, but rather that the toy has small parts or sharp pieces that could injure a younger child,” Baez added.
    
• Check for recalls and inspect for loose parts before purchasing. 
  
  
• Look for durable toys that are made without sharp edges or points. 
  
  
• For young children, avoid toys with small parts which could pose choking hazards. If it’s small enough to fit inside the cardboard tube from a paper towel roll, it’s a choking hazard. 
  
  
• Skip toys with small magnetic pieces or button batteries for any child under age 6. Swallowing button batteries or magnets can lead to serious intestinal problems. 
  
  
• Avoid electrical toys with heating elements (batteries, electrical plugs) for children under the age of 8. These toys are a potential burn hazard. 
  
  
• Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches, which can wrap around a child’s neck and accidentally strangle him or her. 
  
  
• Store toys properly, keep toys for older children out of reach of babies and toddlers. 
  
  
• If you are buying riding toys, make sure you add a certified helmet to your shopping list to keep their heads safe. And don’t forget the elbow and knee pads as well as wrist guards for skates and skateboards. 
  
  
• Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous playthings for young children.

“Toys can bring children lots of joy but if we are not careful, they can cause harm. Checking toys for safety is a commitment to protecting their joy,” Baez noted. 

For more tips on how to keep your children healthy and safe, visit BayCare Kids.