Toys should be age-appropriate to reduce the risk of injury
One of the most magical moments of the holiday season is watching as children smile in delight while unwrapping toys and gifts. Pediatricians at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital encourage gift givers to exercise caution when selecting presents for young children.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2023 there were 10 deaths and more than 154,700 toy-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms among children ages 12 and younger. The majority of the deaths reported were attributed to choking on small balls or crayons and drownings linked to flotation toys. Among the emergency room-treated injuries, non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of injuries across all age groups. Non-motorized scooters accounted for 1 in every 5 toy-related injuries to children ages 14 and younger.
Pediatricians at Atrium Health Levine Children’s offer the following tips for shoppers:
- Look for age-appropriate labels on toys. The toy should suit the age and individual skills and abilities of the child who will receive it, especially if the recipient is younger than 3 years old.
- Take note of safety warnings, information and labels.
- Avoid toys that shoot, have parts that fly off, or have points or sharp edges.
- Make sure that toys are not too loud and will not cause hearing damage if the child holds them to their ear.
- Choose sturdy toys that will not break easily.
- Choose crayons and markers that are designated “nontoxic.”
- Toys made with fabric should be labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Plush toys should be washable.
- Include protective equipment with sporting equipment. For example, give a helmet and protective padding when gifting a bicycle or skates.
- Toys with magnets and button batteries may cause serious injury or death if swallowed. Do not give gifts that contain these or any small parts to children younger than 3 years old.
- Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3, and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.
- Avoid toys with ropes, cords and heating elements.
- Once gifts are opened, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging before they become dangerous playthings.
- Show your children how to use the toy safely and always supervise children as they play.
“When shopping for children’s gifts, be sure the child’s age aligns with the recommended age printed on the toy. If the toy contains plastic or other wrapping that’s best handled by an adult, consider unboxing the gift before giving it to the child,” said Dr. Mansi Batra, an Atrium Health Navicent pediatrician. “In addition, if you’re gifting bikes or scooters, be sure to include helmets so that kids can start playing safely right away.”
If an emergency situation does arise, the Pediatric Emergency Center at Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital was designed specifically for children and families and is staffed by board-certified pediatric specialists. Located at 888 Pine Street in Macon, care is available 24 hours a day.
