The holiday season is a magical time, especially for the little ones. Help your kids stay safe by giving them age-appropriate toys.
Jennifer Northway, director of injury prevention at University Health, says toys come with age recommendations because some of them aren't suited for all ages. Toys recommended for older children often come with small pieces that could be dangerous for younger children.
Toy Safety Tips
More than 231,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Keep these tips in mind when gifting your child their new favorite toy:
- Check the labels and warnings on your child’s toys before deciding if they are safe to play with.
- Choose toys that are recommended for your child’s age.
- Always supervise young children while playing.
- Secure batteries in the toy so they don’t fall out, or choose a toy without batteries.
- Be aware of product recalls.
- Separate your older child’s toys from your younger child’s toys.
- When you are done with playtime, store the toys in a secure box.
Pick Age-Appropriate Toys
The first step to ensure your child’s safety is picking a toy that is right for their age and development. Toddlers can’t play with the same toys older children could play with.
For example, toys with small pieces could pose a choking hazard to babies and children under the age of 3. For children younger than age 3, avoid toys with:
- Sharp edges and rigid points, which can cut
- Marbles, which are a choking hazard
- Button batteries, which are corrosive and harmful if swallowed
- Water beads, which expand when ingested and can cause internal damage
- Magnets, which can block the digestive system
If you have older children, your little one may want to play with their toys, too. Separate your children’s toys so your little one doesn’t have easy access to potentially dangerous toys. If they want to play with their siblings’ toys, supervise them at all times.
In-Person vs. Online Shopping
Did you know that where you buy your kids’ toys matters as much as what you buy? Northway reminds gift-givers that toys in brick and mortar stores meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety standards, whereas toys bought online may not.
Buy a Helmet that Fits
If you buy your child a bicycle, skateboard, tricycle, scooter or anything with wheels, make sure you buy them a helmet, too.
More than 280,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year for bicycle-related accidents. Many of these injuries could be prevented by wearing a helmet on each and every ride.
Your child’s helmet should fit snugly and stay buckled while they are riding. If your child hits their head while wearing a helmet, throw that helmet out and replace it with a new one. That helmet will not be as protective if they hit their head a second time. Get more bicycle safety tips from Safe Kids.
Injury Prevention at University Health
We want your family to stay safe this holiday season, and all year long. Find more ways to keep your family safe on our website.
