Keeping little ones safe is a never-ending task, and it’s important to consider toy safety all year round. But with the onslaught of Christmas gifts, parents should take a look at the toys their little ones receive around the holiday.
The biggest risk is choking, which can cause severe lack of oxygen, or asphyxia. We’ve gathered some safety tips to make this year safe, healthy and bright.
Button Batteries and Magnets
In this recent ParentingU Extra Credit episode, Paige Guillory, MD, provides some safety tips around small magnets and button batteries. If a child swallows either, head to the emergency room.
Size Matters
In addition to the magnetic toys and small batteries, avoid toys with small parts that can present a choking hazard, especially for children under 3. Make sure younger siblings don’t have access to bigger kids toys that may have small parts that could become choking hazards.
Balls, games with balls and marbles that are smaller than about 1.75 inches are best kept out of reach of young children. A good rule of thumb: can the toy fit inside a paper towel or toilet paper tube? If so, it’s a choking hazard that’s too small for babies and littler kids.
Toys on the Move
When your little one ventures onto wheels, be sure they always wear a helmet. That include bicycles, skateboards, scooters, tricycles and roller skates. Helmets prevent head injuries, including concussions. Adding knee pads and elbow pads can reduce the risk of scrapes, bruises and even broken bones.
Active Supervision
Supervision is arguably the most important way to keep children safe while playing, with toys or otherwise. Keeping an eye on little ones isn’t always easy, but checking on them regularly is important for their safety.
Play together and have fun enjoying the toys safely together, and let your imaginations run wild!
