Give the Gift of Safety

It’s that time of year again when children start making wish lists of the toys they want to get at the upcoming holiday. Toys help children learn, develop, and explore their surroundings. While most toys are safe, some toys can lead to injuries. The biggest risk for young children is choking on small toys or small parts of larger toys. As children get older, injuries are more likely to come from riding toys like foot-powered scooters, tricycles, and wagons.

As you hit the aisles or apps to buy the dream toys on your child’s wish list, keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to keep in mind while shopping:

• Check the label. The age recommendations set by manufacturers reflect the safety of a toy based on potential choking hazards as well as children’s development.
• Buy a helmet. If you are going to buy a riding toy like a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard, make a helmet part of the gift. Knee pads and elbow pads are also recommended.
• Look at the battery compartment. Only buy toys with battery compartments that need a screwdriver to open or have a child-resistant locking mechanism. Batteries can be toxic if swallowed.
• Avoid toys with magnets. Magnets can cause serious damage to organs if more than one is swallowed. Magnet sets intended for adults should not be in a home where young children live or visit.
• Check Recalls.gov. This is a great resource to see if toys that you own or may buy have been recalled due to safety concerns.