Wrap the Holiday Gift Season with Safety

Picking out a child's holiday toys is almost as exciting for parents as it is for the children who get to rip open the packages. And while parents spend countless hours combing the aisles and scanning the catalogues for this year's perfect gift, safety must be at the top of every parent's holiday toy shopping list. Making the right toy selection for a child can be easy when parents are armed with the right knowledge.

Each year, over 3 billion toys and games are sold in the United States, and more than half are purchased during the holiday season. However, in 2002 alone, an estimated 165,200 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. And although the majority of toys are safe, some can become dangerous if used incorrectly or if they end up with a child that is too young for a specific gift.

“Toys are more than just fun – they're crucial to a child's development,” says Martin Eichelberger, M.D., director of Emergency Trauma Services, Children's National Medical Center and president and CEO of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “But parents need to be mindful of the age and safety recommendations on the labels of every single toy. Parents also need to take into account not only children's cognitive skills, but their capacity to handle the toy safely.” The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends the following tips for selecting gifts this holiday season:

Choose Safe Toys

Even innocent-looking toys – such as marbles and balloons – can present dangers to children. The Child Safety Protection Act, a federal toy labeling law, requires manufacturers to place warning labels on toys that pose a choking hazard to young children. When selecting a toy for your child, avoid the following:

* Toys with small removable parts. The small parts that can be removed from the toy can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a small parts tester (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.

* Toys with sharp points or edges. Children may unintentionally cut themselves or another person.

* Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns and high-volume portable cassette players can permanently impair a child's hearing.

* Propelled toy darts and other projectiles. Propelled toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.

* Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches. They could wrap around a child's neck and unintentionally cause strangulation.

* Electrical toys. They are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element—such as batteries or electrical plugs—for children under age 8.

* Toys painted with lead paint. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a child's brain, kidneys and nervous system.

* Toy cap guns. Paper roll, strip or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.

* Toys that have been recalled. Check the Web site of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly to obtain information on recent toy recalls. Return to manufacturers the warranty and product registration forms for new toy purchases to ensure that you will be notified of any recalls

In addition, when selecting a gift, follow age recommendations. Many toy-related injuries occur when parents overestimate a child's ability to handle a toy designed for an older age group. For instance, when a label says, “this toy is not appropriate for children under 3,” it isn't because the manufacturer thinks the item might be too tough for a 24-month-old to figure out, but because the toy is small (or has small parts) and poses a choking hazard.

Enjoy the toys safely

* Make sure toys are enjoyed in a safe environment. Always supervise children at play.

* Check older toys. If you are at another family's home, make sure the toys they generously offer your children are also safe. Inspect old and new toys regularly for damage and potential hazards. Make any necessary repairs immediately or discard damaged toys out of children's reach.

Remember, a Gift is Not Complete Unless the Proper Protective Gear is Included!

Bicycles, in-line skates, scooters, skateboards and sleds are also popular gifts for the holidays. However, if children lack the proper protective gear or skills, injury and death can occur. In 2001, 134 children were killed in bicycle-related incidents, and injuries resulting from bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and in-line and roller skates accounted for well over half a million emergency room visits for children ages 14 and under.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends the following tips when buying bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skates, skateboards or sleds this holiday season:

* Include a helmet as part of the gift. A helmet is a necessity, not an accessory and should be worn every time he rides. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. Make sure the helmet meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

* Give a horn or a bell as a stocking stuffer. It's essential for a bicyclist to warn motorists and pedestrians of his or her presence.

* Include elbow pads and kneepads with the helmet when giving in-line skates, scooters, roller skates or skateboards as gifts. Make sure to include wrist guards for in-line skates, roller skates and skateboards.

* Give in-line skating lessons from a professional instructor or a community recreation center. A class will provide instruction on how to skate properly and proper skating etiquette.

* Buy a sled that is constructed sturdily and safely. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.

* Supervise your child when on a riding toy. Riding toys are the leading cause of toy-related injury. Make sure your child rides in safe areas and away from stairs, traffic or swimming pools.
~ Courtesy of Safekids.org, December 14, 2004