Joyful Play, Careful Choice
Aspirus Health's Holiday Toy Safety Tips
12/15/2023
Amy Falk, MD, Aspirus Pediatrician
There were an
estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 associated with
toys for children 12 years and younger, according to the latest U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries
report.
This December,
designated as Safe Toys & Gifts Month, numerous parents are in search of
toys to keep their children – and themselves – entertained during the long
winter looming ahead. Aspirus Health encourages parents to adopt a mindful
approach when selecting toys, heeding Safe Kids Marathon County’s (SKMC)
guidance on age-appropriate, safe and educational choices.
"Part of the
joy of giving our kids gifts during the holidays is watching their faces light
up when they open them,” says Amy Falk, MD,
Aspirus Pediatrician. “However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that the new
toy with all the bells and whistles at the top of their wish list may not be
the safest choice for them.”
Before adding that
flashy new gadget to your shopping cart, consider the following:
1. Find the perfect toy
for the right age. Take into account your child’s age and developmental stage
when purchasing a toy or game. Read the instructions and warning labels to
ensure it’s suitable for your child. Check for small parts or potential choking
hazards before settling on the perfect toy.
Dr. Falk encourages
interactive and engaging play with your selections. “Consider the
practicality,” she suggests. “Infants engage with the tactile wonders of fabric
books, and toddlers build foundational skills with stacking rings and blocks.
For older kids, it might be an educational board game. These activities
contribute significantly to your child’s overall development.”
2. Don’t forget a
helmet for riding toys. Include a CPSC-certified helmet to keep them safe while
having fun on a new bike, skateboard, scooter, or any other riding equipment.
Learn more about the type of helmet to use by activity at www.cdc.gov/headsup/helmets.
3. Store toys after
play. Use a bin or container to store toys after playtime is over. Ensure there
are no holes or hinges that could catch little fingers.
4. Sign up to receive
product recalls. Stay up to date on toy recalls. Safe Kids compiles product
recalls specific to children and sends twice-monthly email alerts for recent
recalls. Sign up for the latest recall information at https://safekids.salsalabs.org/recalls-newsletter/index.html.
As parents and
families navigate the busy holiday season, Dr. Falk reminds parents to slow
down and enjoy this time with their children, emphasizing the importance of
active parental engagement during playtime. "Participation in interactive
activities not only enhances the learning experience but also fortifies the
invaluable parent-child bond."
Aspirus Health
wishes your family a fun and safe season full of play. Let the excitement of
exploring new things go hand in hand with making smart choices for your child’s
health.
For more information
about toy safety, visit www.safekids.org
or the Consumer Product Safety Commission website (www.cpsc.gov).
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