As the holiday shopping season unfolds, medical professionals from Yale New Haven Health are urging parents to remain vigilant about hazardous toys. In collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, these experts emphasize the importance of safety in children’s products to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits during this festive time.
Dr. James Dodington, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital, stated, “The holidays should be filled with excitement, not emergency room visits.” He highlighted the growing concern over counterfeit toys sold online, which often lack necessary safety features, proper labeling, and quality materials.
According to Dr. Lawrence Siew, medical director of the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, legitimate toys always include essential details such as age recommendations and safety warnings. He advised parents to treat any inconsistencies in packaging as a red flag, noting that counterfeit items frequently lack crucial safety features that protect children.
Statistics Highlight the Risks of Unsafe Toys
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest report on toy-related deaths and injuries revealed alarming figures: there were 10 fatalities and an estimated 154,700 emergency department-treated injuries in 2023 involving toys for children aged 12 years and younger.
Dr. Magna Dias, chair of pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital, cautioned that developmental readiness is critical when selecting toys. “Even within the same age group, children grow and learn at very different rates,” she explained. A toy that is too advanced may frustrate a child or lead to unsafe use, while one that is too simple might fail to engage them.
In addition to traditional hazards like sharp edges and detachable pieces, clinicians are warning parents about the sound levels of electronic toys. Pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialists have noted that some toys can emit noises at volumes high enough to damage a child’s hearing over time.
Sam Schild, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, remarked, “A surprising number of musical or electronic toys can exceed safe decibel limits, especially when held close to a child’s ear.” Testing toys in-store when possible is recommended, as loud toys can pose risks to young ears.
Essential Safety Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping
Experts stress that toys should have secure battery compartments to prevent accidents. Parents are advised to keep loose batteries out of reach and seek immediate medical attention if a battery is swallowed. Additionally, when gifting items like scooters, skateboards, or bicycles, a properly fitted helmet should accompany the gift.
Young children should never receive toys with long cords or straps due to the risk of strangulation. Small or detachable pieces are significant choking hazards, particularly for children under the age of three. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, non-motorized scooters accounted for one in every five toy-related injuries among children younger than 15 years old.
Bryan T. Cafferelli, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, emphasized the importance of safety during the holiday season. “Taking the time to make sure your gifts for kids are safe will ensure a happy holiday season,” he stated. He also provided a simple method for checking for choking hazards: if a toy or part fits inside a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper, it poses a risk for small children.
To promote safer toy selections, the following tips are recommended:
– Choose toys that are age-appropriate by checking label recommendations and understanding the child’s developmental stage.
– Ensure fabrics are labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
– Verify that any painted toy uses lead-free paint.
– Be vigilant about choking hazards in households with children under three.
– Check for strangulation risks from straps, cords, or strings.
– Avoid toys containing button batteries or small magnets, which can cause severe injuries if swallowed.
– Test electronic toys for safe sound levels; avoid items that seem excessively loud.
– Match toys to a child’s developmental stage and abilities, not just their chronological age.
If parents encounter unsafe toys, they can file a product complaint by visiting ct.gov/DCP and following the directions to “File a Complaint.” Complaints can also be directed to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.
By staying informed and following these guidelines, families can help ensure a festive holiday season free from the dangers of unsafe toys.
