Few things match the joy on a child’s face when they open a gift. Most toys on store shelves are safe, but each year emergency rooms treat well over 100,000 children for toy-related injuries. Choking on small parts is one of the biggest risks for babies and toddlers. A little care while you shop, and after the wrapping paper comes off, keeps the fun going.
Read the age label, and take it seriously. The age on a toy’s package isn’t about how smart your child is. It’s a safety rating. A toy marked “not for children under 3” usually has small parts that a toddler could choke on. Follow the age guidance even if your little one seems advanced.
Try the toilet paper tube test. Federal safety rules use a small test cylinder about the size of a young child’s throat. Anything that fits inside it is a choking risk for children under 3. At home, an empty toilet paper tube makes a rough stand-in. If a toy or piece fits inside, keep it away from babies and toddlers.
Keep big kids’ toys separate. Building sets, game pieces and craft kits made for older siblings often have tiny parts. Store them up high or in a separate room. Ask older children to help keep their small toys off the floor.
Watch for hidden hazards. Balloons, both uninflated and broken pieces, are a serious choking risk for young children. Small, powerful magnets and coin-shaped button batteries can cause severe internal injuries if swallowed. Check that battery covers are screwed shut. Long strings, cords and straps can be a strangling hazard for babies.
Buy from sellers you trust. Toys sold online by unknown sellers may not meet U.S. safety standards. Shop with stores and brands you know. If you’re buying secondhand, check for recalls at CPSC.gov/recalls before you buy.
Include safety gear with ride-on gifts. A new bike, scooter or skateboard should come with a properly fitted helmet. Add knee and elbow pads for skates and boards.
Clean up after unwrapping. Throw away plastic wrap, twist ties and packing material right away. These can be choking or suffocation hazards. Then check new toys for sharp edges or loose parts, and remind grandparents and visitors about your house rules for small items.
Thoughtful choices now mean more safe, happy playtime all year long.
Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold This Holiday Season with Unsafe Presents; Small Parts Ban and Choking Hazard Labeling; Holiday Safety Information Center.