Ensuring Safe, Joyful Holidays: Toy & Gift Safety Tips

The holiday season is filled with excitement as we choose the perfect gifts for children. However, amidst the fun of shopping, it's crucial to keep safety in focus. December is recognized as Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a reminder to prioritize well-being in our gift selections.

Gift Safety Tips

• Match Age and Ability: Always check packaging for age recommendations and consider the child's developmental stage to avoid potential hazards.
• Watch for Small Parts: For children under three, small parts can pose a serious choking risk.
• Ensure Quality: High-quality toys are less likely to break into pieces that could be dangerous.
• Stay Informed on Recalls: Regularly check for recalls and consider signing up for email alerts to stay updated.
• Consider Practical Gifts: Helmets, safety gear, or books are thoughtful and useful presents.
• Gift an Experience: Passes to museums, music lessons, or art classes offer memorable, clutter-free alternatives.

Why Safety Matters

In 2023, U.S. emergency rooms treated approximately 154,700 toy-related injuries in children 12 and younger, with 10 tragic deaths. Non-motorized scooters alone accounted for over 53,000 of these injuries. Ensuring toys are safe can prevent such unfortunate incidents.

Toys to Reconsider

• Digital Devices: Be mindful of screen-time issues and ensure parental controls are in place.
• Secondhand Toys: Older toys might not meet current safety standards and could contain hazards like lead paint.
• Homemade Gifts: While thoughtful, ensure they lack small detachable parts.

Beyond Toys

• Batteries & Packaging: Safely dispose of packaging and small parts that might be choking hazards.
• Assembly Matters: Proper assembly is key to safety; follow instructions and check sturdiness before use.
• Supervision: Even 'safe' toys need supervision; helmets for scooters are a must!

Embracing these safety tips will help ensure a joyful holiday season where the focus remains on fun and creating cherished memories. Safe, thoughtful gift choices can lead to a worry-free celebration.

Enjoy the season while keeping safety top of mind!