As parents flock to the malls or do their online, when it comes to finding that special toy for their children that will make them smile, the feeling of happiness is priceless.
However, before making any toy purchase for a young child, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician is urging parents to consider the age-appropriateness of toys to protect the safety of the child.
“I encourage parents to make sure any toys they wish to give to their young children this holiday season suit the individual skills and abilities of the child who will receive them, especially for infants and children under age 3,” said Liberty Lowe, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Parents should keep in mind safety factors when it comes to buying their young children’s desired toys and gifts.”
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Before making purchases, it’s essential to examine the safety and age range of the toys parents select, Dr. Lowe noted.
She encouraged parents to adhere to the following advice:
- Inspect toys before buying them. Avoid toys with flying parts or that shoot.
- Toys should not have sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand any significant impact without breaking.
- Parents of children with special needs should consider choosing toys that appeal to different senses, such as texture, sound and movement.
- Make sure the toys have passed a safety inspection. Toys marked with “ASTM,” which means the toy has met the American Society of Testing and Materials standards.
- Make sure crayons are “nontoxic.”
- Make sure the toys don’t have small parts, including magnets or small button batteries, that can be swallowed.
- Make sure the toys don’t contain lead, which is hazardous to a child’s health.
- Make sure toys don’t have ropes or heating elements.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 206,400 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2021, and males accounted for 58% of the injuries. Of the estimated 206,400 toy-related injuries, 74% were sustained by children 14 years of age or younger; 69% were sustained by children 12 years of age or younger; and 37% were sustained by children 4 years of age or younger.
Additionally, 38% of the estimated emergency department-treated injuries were classified as lacerations, contusions or abrasions. About 46% of the estimated injuries were to the head and face area, the most commonly affected areas of the body.
Non-motorized scooters were associated with the largest number of estimated toy-related injuries among the specifically identified toys for all ages: children 14 years of age or younger; children 12 years of age or younger; and children 4 years of age or younger (21%, 24%, 22%, and 8%, respectively).
“It’s important to pay a great deal of attention to the age-appropriateness of toys for young children,” said Dr. Lowe, who practices in Orange County. “Doing so will prevent many unnecessary incidents of harm to children this holiday season.”
