The Christmas countdown has begun, and it is important for anyone giving toys and other items to children to take extra steps to ensure they are choosing safe gifts this holiday season. That, according to advice from the California Poison Control System (CPCS). December has been designated “Safe Toys and Gifts Month” to remind people to think about safety when selecting presents for kids.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest “Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries” report highlighted that in 2023 there were approximately 154,700 children 12 years or younger treated in emergency rooms because of toy-related injuries. Ten children died due to toy-related incidents.
“Knowing what to look out for can make a big difference in preventing injuries from toys,” said Cyrus Rangan, M.D., a pediatrician and medical toxicologist with CPCS. “Selecting a safe toy starts with considering whom it is for and then choosing something appropriate based on age, skill level, and ability.”
Dr. Rangan provided the following 12 helpful tips when choosing safe toys for all ages this holiday season.
Age-appropriate: Match toys to the child’s age, abilities, and interests.
Check the box: Read all labels, warnings, and instructions on the box. Look for proof that toys have passed a safety inspection, such as American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Keep away: Toys that use “button” batteries or magnets are a potential choking hazard and can also cause internal damage if swallowed.
Skip sharp edges: Avoid toys with dangerous edges, sharp or rigid points, spikes, or rods.
Inspect for breakability: Opt for toys that can withstand impact and not break into shards.
Think of gift pairings: Sports equipment gifts could be accompanied by safety gear.
Avoid choking hazards: Small balls and toys with small parts can be a choking hazard for children younger than 3 years of age; deflated balloons should be kept away from kids, too.
Watch out for “sensory toys”: These often contain water beads – if swallowed, the beads can expand in the body and block a child’s airway or cause other injuries.
Pass on ropes and burns: Avoid giving toys with ropes or cords. Don’t give toys with heating elements.
Steer clear of mix-ups: Keep young children away from toys meant for older children.
Put them away: Avoid falls by storing toys properly after play.
Be mindful: Promptly discard plastic and other wrapping on toys before they become dangerous playthings.
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Get weekly tips about safety by texting TIPS to 20121 for English or texting PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish. Follow CPCS on Facebook and on Twitter @poisoninfo. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
