The season of giving is especially exciting for young kids as they prepare for a happy helping of holiday gifts and goodies.
Presents and playtime, however, can come with some risks to be aware of – whether it’s the toys or the decorative holiday light fixtures.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates nearly 15,000 Americans were treated for holiday decorating-related injuries in 2023 and almost a quarter-million toy-related injury cases were reported regarding patients of all ages.
“Throughout the holiday season, toy safety is an important consideration when purchasing gifts for kids,” Andrea Kane, MD, a pediatrician at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, said. “There are a lot of hidden hazards concerning toys, which we may not realize.”
Potential toy hazards can include small parts, sharp edges or cords and strings that can put young kids in danger of strangulation or entanglement.
“Kids under the age of three have a tendency to put things in their mouths, which can not only be a choking hazard, but also very dangerous if a toy has sharp or pointy edges,” Ashley Fischer, MD, a pediatrician at Carle Health Pekin East on Griffin, said.
Both experts recommend parents and guardians gift their kids toys that are sturdy, strong and don’t shatter if fallen upon or broken.
Additionally, they say keep an eye out for toys that use magnets or small batteries, as those can be especially dangerous if swallowed.
“Warning labels must be read and followed to the tee,” Dr. Kane advised. “These will warn of choking and electrical hazards. It’s also important to follow the age recommendations for toys on the labels as well.”
Dr. Kane adds for extra safety precautions, parents should make sure toys like crayons and art supplies are nontoxic and lead-free. Sound can also be a factor as loud toys can cause permanent damage to the sensitive hearing of kids.
Dr. Fischer also warns about the dangers of a popular gift for new parents: infant walkers.
"Baby walkers send thousands of children to the hospital every year and are actually banned in
Canada. Safer alternatives like walk-behind walkers and stationary activity centers make much better gifts for new parents,” Dr. Fischer said. “There are helpful resources online that parents can consult to learn more about potential toy hazards and to make sure a toy hasn’t been recalled.”
In addition to toys, holiday lights can be tricky to deal with during setup and teardown – and potentially hazardous.
The CPSC estimates there are about 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with nearly half of the incidents involving falls.
“Make sure you never overload your electrical outlets and try to avoid stringing together more than two sets of lights,” Dr. Fischer said. “Also, consider flameless candles instead of real ones – they are safe for kids to handle and won’t cause a fire hazard.”
Whether it is with toys, gifts or lights, both experts encourage kids and their families to have fun and enjoy themselves – just be safe while doing it.
“Parents, remember to supervise your kids when they are playing and check on the toys and lights every now and then for wear and tear. Remember – safety first!” Dr. Kane said.
For more tips and information about Carle Health Children’s Services, visit Carle.org.
Presents and playtime, however, can come with some risks to be aware of – whether it’s the toys or the decorative holiday light fixtures.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates nearly 15,000 Americans were treated for holiday decorating-related injuries in 2023 and almost a quarter-million toy-related injury cases were reported regarding patients of all ages.
“Throughout the holiday season, toy safety is an important consideration when purchasing gifts for kids,” Andrea Kane, MD, a pediatrician at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, said. “There are a lot of hidden hazards concerning toys, which we may not realize.”Potential toy hazards can include small parts, sharp edges or cords and strings that can put young kids in danger of strangulation or entanglement.
“Kids under the age of three have a tendency to put things in their mouths, which can not only be a choking hazard, but also very dangerous if a toy has sharp or pointy edges,” Ashley Fischer, MD, a pediatrician at Carle Health Pekin East on Griffin, said.
Both experts recommend parents and guardians gift their kids toys that are sturdy, strong and don’t shatter if fallen upon or broken.
Additionally, they say keep an eye out for toys that use magnets or small batteries, as those can be especially dangerous if swallowed.
“Warning labels must be read and followed to the tee,” Dr. Kane advised. “These will warn of choking and electrical hazards. It’s also important to follow the age recommendations for toys on the labels as well.”
Dr. Kane adds for extra safety precautions, parents should make sure toys like crayons and art supplies are nontoxic and lead-free. Sound can also be a factor as loud toys can cause permanent damage to the sensitive hearing of kids.
Dr. Fischer also warns about the dangers of a popular gift for new parents: infant walkers.
"Baby walkers send thousands of children to the hospital every year and are actually banned in
Canada. Safer alternatives like walk-behind walkers and stationary activity centers make much better gifts for new parents,” Dr. Fischer said. “There are helpful resources online that parents can consult to learn more about potential toy hazards and to make sure a toy hasn’t been recalled.”In addition to toys, holiday lights can be tricky to deal with during setup and teardown – and potentially hazardous.
The CPSC estimates there are about 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with nearly half of the incidents involving falls.
“Make sure you never overload your electrical outlets and try to avoid stringing together more than two sets of lights,” Dr. Fischer said. “Also, consider flameless candles instead of real ones – they are safe for kids to handle and won’t cause a fire hazard.”
Whether it is with toys, gifts or lights, both experts encourage kids and their families to have fun and enjoy themselves – just be safe while doing it.
“Parents, remember to supervise your kids when they are playing and check on the toys and lights every now and then for wear and tear. Remember – safety first!” Dr. Kane said.
For more tips and information about Carle Health Children’s Services, visit Carle.org.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: children, christmas, holidays, kids, lights, pediatrics, safety, toys