Play Safe: Learn About Common Toy Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Family gatherings are lovely and decorations are grand … but, facts: If you’re a kid, the real reason for the season is probably under that tree. However, if those toys aren’t picked judiciously, you just might find yourself spending Christmas Day in the emergency room rather than grandma’s house.

BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist Gina Baez says that every year, there are more than 150,000 toy-related injuries reported in the United States. Top causes include choking on small pieces, drowning with floatation toys, riding e-vehicles, or ingesting water beads.

She wants to encourage parents to shop with safety and fit in mind when going through their Christmas lists this year, because with toys, safety starts with the gift-giver.

Choosing Safe Toys

Choose toys based not only by interest, but also by age. Age recommendations on the packaging are safety-related, not developmental. It doesn’t matter if your 3-year-old is precocious enough to manipulate a toy meant for an older child; toys often have age restrictions because of dangerous small or sharp parts.

“Those recommendations are there for a reason,” Baez says. “Look for sturdy, high-quality construction, with no sharp edges and parts securely attached.”

Beware of Choking Hazards

Baez has this easy-to-remember rule of thumb for deciding if a toy is a good option for a toddler or younger: “If the toy part fits through the cardboard tube of a paper towel or toilet paper roll, it’s too small for 3 and below.”

Choking hazards including detachable pieces, marbles, button batteries, and water beads. “I don’t think a lot of parents understand the danger of button batteries,” Baez says. “They can be deadly if swallowed. If they want to give them a toy with a button battery, the batteries should be inside a compartment that is securely screwed.”

Water beads are particularly insidious choking hazards. They are small spheres that are often sold as sensory toys, but once swallowed, they can expand up to 100 times its size, resulting in not only choking, but poisoning, as some of the ingredients are toxic.

Ensure that toys are non-toxic and have a BPA-free label, just in case they are put in a curious mouth. Choking can also happen externally — for toddlers and very young children, avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches.

Always Encourage Helmets with Riding Toys

“We recommend no riding toys under the age of 1,” Baez says.

After age 1, little ones can safely play with foot-powered wheeled toys, followed by tricycles and slower electric vehicles when they are 2 — think ride-on cars that parents can set the speed for with a remote control, for example. When they are 3-5 years old, they can start trying balance bikes or scooters.

When gifting anything with wheels, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the child must have a certified helmet. “Not just for bikes,” says Baez. “Bikes, scooters, hoverboards — anything with wheels.”

When choosing a helmet, fit is crucial. The bottom of the helmets should sit two finger widths above the eyebrows, and the side straps should make a “v” in front of and behind the ears. You should only be able to fit one or two fingers between the chin strap and your skin when the helmet is secured.

Kids riding e-bikes or e-scooters (which Baez points out are leading causes of injuries) need a helmet that meets stricter safety standards such as an e-bike helmet or motorcycle helmet, which can be more expensive than a bicycle helmet. Other safety gear to consider for little cyclists include knee, wrist and elbow pads, reflective tape for clothes and bright clothing.

The Best Protection is Parental Supervision

“The safest toy can be dangerous without supervision,” Baez says. “It’s a good idea to keep play areas organized by age, so the 2-year-old doesn’t have access to the 8-year-old’s Legos.”

For children ages 1-3, avoid overstimulating toys with too much noise and light. Children under age 8 should not play with toys that include a heating element, because they can pose burn hazards. After opening new toys, throw away the plastic wrapping and little plastic pieces that are sometimes attached to the packaging. And teach older siblings to do so as well, reminding them of the dangers of little siblings popping small toy parts into their mouth.

Stay Informed

Follow or sign up for alerts from these two websites so you can be assured of your little ones’ toy safety:

Cpsc.gov: The Consumer Product Safety Commission announces all safety issues. Check before purchasing, especially if the toy is second-hand or from a third-person retailer.

Recalls.gov: Sign up here for alerts about not just toys, but any product that relates to kids.

So, what actually makes for a good toy? Baez suggests anything that encourages imaginative play, supports bonding and promotes imagination and fine motor skills. More likely than not, it’s best to reach past the bells, whistles and lights and grab a simpler toy instead.

Presented by BayCare Kids

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