TOY SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON 

“We want to remind residents to do some research before buying children gifts to ensure that they are safe and age appropriate” said Aaron Kissler, Health Officer with the Florida Department of Health in Lake County.  “Just by following a few simple ideas for safe use we can often prevent toy injuries”

The most common injuries from toys are minor cuts, scrapes and bruises, however, toys can cause serious injury or even death.  This happens when toys are dangerous or used in the wrong way. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the following tips to help parents make safe consumer choices for their children. 

Here are the 10 toy safety tips for a safe holiday season:

• Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way.
• Think LARGE. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking.
• Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking.
• For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured within the toy. If magnets or batteries are ingested, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
• Look for stuffed toys that are well made. Make sure all the parts are on tight and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable. Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.
• Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.  Dispose of plastic wrapping material on toys immediately as they may have sharp edges.
• Inspect all toys before purchasing.  Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
• Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the label says “nontoxic.”
• Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years. They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys.
• Be careful when buying crib toys. Strings or wires that hang in a crib should be kept short to avoid strangulation. Crib toys should be removed as soon as your child can push up on his hands and knees.

 
For additional information on gift-giving ideas and safety tips, please visit the AAP’s website for parents https://www.healthychildren.org
 
About the Florida Department of Health
 
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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