There’s nothing quite like the look on your child’s face as they open their Christmas presents. The light in their eyes as a joyful smile spreads across their face is one of the best parts of the holiday! While toys bring happiness and hours of fun, they can also pose risks if not chosen and handled carefully.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that, in the United States, over 230,000 children visited the emergency room for toy-related injuries in 2023. This sobering statistic reminds us how crucial it is to take extra precautions when it comes to our little ones and their gifts. Here’s a guide on how to protect your children from toy-related injuries this Christmas.
Choose Age-Appropriate Toys
Remember when Ralphie wanted a BB gun for Christmas? He quickly learned the hard way that you can, in fact, “shoot your eye out, kid.” This probably wasn’t the best choice of gift for a nine-year-old. We can carry this lesson through all sorts of gift-giving. Before checking off an item on your child’s wish list, make sure it is age-appropriate.
For toddlers and younger children, look for toys with larger pieces that are easy to handle. Avoid anything with detachable small parts, magnets, or button batteries. Remember, young children love to put everything in their mouth, so make sure the material is non-toxic.
For older children, choose toys that are both safe and engaging for their age level. While electronics and craft kits might be popular, make sure they come with proper safety instructions. If you’re opting for bikes or scooters, be sure to wrap a helmet, too!
If you’re unsure, look for toys labeled as ASTM-approved, indicating they meet extensive safety requirements. By paying close attention to the recommended age range, your child will get a new toy that is fun and safe.
Inspect Your Children’s Gifts
Even toys that appear safe at first glance can have hidden dangers, whether due to faulty designs or wear and tear. Learning to inspect toys is an easy way to prevent accidents.
Before releasing your child with their cool new toys, always check for recalls. A quick online search on the manufacturer’s website or the CPSC database will show if any safety alerts are associated with the toy. This is especially important for electronics, including motorized scooters, swings, and tablets.
Check for sharp edges or loose pieces that could break off during play. For toys with battery compartments, make sure they are secured with screws and cannot easily be opened by small hands. Button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed and must be tightly secured.
Toys experience wear as children play with them, especially during high-energy bursts of post-unwrapping excitement. Take time to inspect toys regularly for cracks, loose screws, or damaged parts. It only takes a minute, but this step could prevent a painful accident.
Play Together
Playing with your children and being involved during their playtime is a wonderful way to connect and share joyful moments together. It also creates a supportive environment where you can help guide them as they explore.
Being nearby during play allows you to quickly notice and address any potential hazards, keeping them safe as they enjoy their toys. If a new toy presents challenges or risks, you’re only an arm’s reach away to step in and keep the experience fun and safe.
It’s also an opportunity to teach children how to play safely and care for their toys. Demonstrating safe use helps build confidence in your child and encourages healthy play habits that will stay with them as they grow.
Safety is always a top priority, and we understand how quickly accidents can happen. According to a CPSC report, nine children tragically lost their lives in 2023 due to choking, drowning, strangulation, or asphyxiation. With attentive playtime and guidance, you can reduce these risks and keep children safe during their most precious moments of discovery and play.
Store Toys Safely
After the wrapping has come off, be sure to throw away any plastic or foam packaging. These are serious choking hazards for little children. When all the playing is done, consider how you want to store your children’s new toys. Proper organization of play areas can help minimize accidents.
The rush of Christmas morning can leave toys scattered across the house. Take the opportunity to involve children in organizing their toys. This will prevent tripping hazards for the whole family and risks of little siblings finding small pieces to put in their mouths!
Choose storage boxes with lids that are lightweight or without hinges to avoid pinched fingers. Keep toys meant for older children stored separately and out of reach from younger siblings. For riding toys like scooters or bikes, make sure they’re stored in a safe place and include helmets with every ride.
While accidents can happen quickly, they’re often preventable with a bit of preparation. This Christmas, you can help keep your children safe by selecting age-appropriate toys, taking the time to inspect them, and making sure they’re stored safely after playtime.
If you suspect your child has been injured by a toy due to a manufacturing error or negligence, contact a qualified personal injury attorney.
