UPDATE: As the holiday shopping season kicks off, experts from Yale New Haven Health and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection are sounding the alarm about hazardous children’s toys. Parents are urged to exercise caution to avoid what could turn into emergency room visits this festive season.
“The holidays should be filled with excitement, not emergency room visits,” stated Dr. James Dodington, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention. With a surge in counterfeit toys flooding online markets, parents must carefully assess their purchases.
Counterfeit toys often lack essential safety features, including proper labeling and safety testing. “Legitimate toy packaging will always include age recommendations and warnings,” warned Dr. Lawrence Siew, medical director of the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. “If packaging is inconsistent or poorly printed, treat it as a red flag.”
The need for vigilance is underscored by alarming statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which reported 10 deaths and an estimated 154,700 emergency department-treated injuries in 2023 linked to toy-related incidents among children aged 12 years and younger.
Clinicians emphasize that toys should align with a child’s developmental readiness, not just their age. “Choosing toys that fit a child’s abilities supports both safety and healthy development,” explained Dr. Magna Dias, chair of pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital.
Parents are also cautioned about sound levels in electronic toys, which can harm hearing over time. “A surprising number of toys can exceed safe decibel limits,” noted Sam Schild, a pediatric otolaryngologist. “If a toy seems loud to an adult, it’s almost certainly too loud for a child.”
Key Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping:
– Ensure toys have secure battery compartments and keep batteries out of reach.
– Seek immediate medical help if a battery is swallowed.
– Always include a properly fitted helmet with gifts like scooters or bicycles.
– Inspect toys for sharp edges, detachable parts, and potential choking hazards.
– Avoid toys with long cords that could pose strangulation risks.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, non-motorized scooters accounted for one in every five toy-related injuries to children younger than 15 years old.
As parents finalize their holiday shopping, Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli reminds, “Taking the time to make sure your gifts for kids are safe will ensure a happy holiday season.” He advises using a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper to test for choking hazards: if a toy can fit inside, it poses a risk.
For immediate safety, experts recommend checking labels for age-appropriateness, ensuring fabrics are flame-resistant, and avoiding toys that contain small magnets or button batteries.
Parents are encouraged to report unsafe toys by visiting ct.gov/DCP to file a complaint. The health and safety of children during the holiday season hinge on these simple yet crucial precautions.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, families must act now to ensure a safe and joyful celebration.
