As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, warmth, and the promise of joy. Against this cheerful background, it is crucial to prioritize child safety, especially considering that December is also Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Whenever you give gifts to young children this holiday season, keep in mind that the gift of safety is just as important as the joy a present brings.
Toy Safety Risks Every Parent Should Know About
Children are naturally curious and energetic, and while toys are essential for their development and enjoyment, they can pose potential risks. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of possible toy-related injuries to ensure the safety of children during play. Here are some common dangers and toy-related injuries:
- Choking: Small parts or components of toys, such as buttons, beads, or small toy figures, can pose a choking hazard for young children. Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk because they often explore objects by putting them in their mouths.
- Suffocation: Soft toys, especially those with long fibers or loose stuffing, can pose a suffocation risk if a child accidentally covers their face with the toy during play or while sleeping. Avoid placing soft toys, blankets, or pillows in cribs or playpens.
- Strangulation: Toys with long cords, strings, or ribbons can pose a strangulation risk. These include toys with long pull cords, mobiles, or attached strings. Ensure that strings are not too long, and always supervise infants and young children when they are playing with such toys.
- Sharp Edges and Points: Toys with sharp edges or points can cause cuts or injuries. Wooden toys or toys with metal components may have edges that are not smooth.
- Toxic Materials: Some toys may contain toxic materials, such as lead-based paint or harmful chemicals. Be cautious of painted toys, especially if they are old or from unknown sources. Always choose toys from reputable manufacturers and check for safety certifications.
- Entanglement: Clothing, hair, or fingers can become entangled in certain toys, such as ride-on toys, swings, or toys with moving parts. Make sure that children are appropriately dressed, with no loose clothing, and supervise them closely during play.
- Battery-Operated Toys: Toys that use batteries can pose risks if the battery compartments are not appropriately secured. Small button batteries, if ingested, can also cause serious injuries.
- Falls: Toys that children ride, like bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters, can lead to falls and injuries if not used safely. Make sure children wear helmets and knee pads and that they ride toys in safe areas away from traffic or obstacles.
Give the Gift of Safety
When choosing toys during the gifting season, always consider the age and developmental stage of the child. Toys with small parts or those that require supervision may pose a choking hazard for younger children. Ensure that toys are labeled with age-appropriate guidelines and follow any safety recommendations diligently. Stay informed about toy recalls by regularly checking product safety websites and databases such as Recalls.gov. Manufacturers occasionally recall toys due to safety concerns, and it’s crucial to remove any recalled items from circulation immediately. Keep an eye on the news and product recalls to guarantee the toys under your tree meet safety standards.
Before gifting or purchasing, take a careful look at the toy you’re considering. Inspect toys for any sharp edges or points that could potentially cause injuries. Soft, rounded edges are preferable, especially for younger children who are more prone to accidents during play. Opt for toys made from non-toxic materials. Children often explore the world around them by putting objects in their mouths, and toys made with safe materials ensure that these explorations don’t result in harm. Look for labels that indicate compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Nobody intends to cause harm when they celebrate Christmas festivities or give a holiday gift. Be sure that you’re bringing happiness to children without putting them at risk by planning ahead and inspecting any gifts a child receives. When children are unwrapping toys, discard ribbons, wrapping paper, and gift bags immediately once a gift is opened. By choosing age-appropriate, non-toxic toys and creating safe environments at home and during holiday festivities, we can ensure that the season remains a time of joy, laughter, and, above all, safety for the little ones who make it truly magical.
Double Down on Safe Holiday Decorations
In addition to choosing safe toys, it’s important to create a safe environment within and around your home during the holiday season. Decorating with safety in mind ensures that the festive atmosphere remains joyous and accident-free.
If you put up a Christmas tree, be sure to anchor it securely to prevent it from toppling over, especially if you have curious toddlers. Avoid using small, sharp, breakable decorations that can shatter, be ingested, or cause injuries. Place fragile ornaments higher up on the tree where they are out of reach.
Holiday light presents another opportunity to be cautious. Take care to ensure that lights have no exposed wires or damaged sockets, and use appropriate extension cords. It’s a good idea to choose LED lights, which generate less heat, reducing the risk of burns. Turn off decorative lights anytime you leave the house and before bed to prevent electrical issues.
If your family enjoys the warm glow of candles during the holidays, place them in secure holders and keep them out of reach of children. Consider using flameless candles to eliminate the risk of burns or fire hazards, especially if you have young children.
Be aware of plants that may be toxic to children and pets. Mistletoe, holly, and some types of poinsettias can be harmful if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach or use artificial alternatives instead.
Perhaps most importantly, make time to regularly check in on how safe and age-appropriate your space is for children and check on their toys routinely. Safety matters every day of the year – the holidays are a great time to make it a priority for every new toy in your child’s life.
