Before any child receives a new toy, it's important to stop and consider if it is safe and age appropriate. | Gallup Fire Department
Before any child receives a new toy, it's important to stop and consider if it is safe and age appropriate. | Gallup Fire Department
From December 15, 2022 post.
December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Before any child receives a new toy, it's important to stop and consider if it is safe and age appropriate. Unfortunately, thousands of children are hurt or even killed each year due to an interaction with an unsafe or developmentally inappropriate toy. More than 217,000 children are treated in emergency rooms annually for toy-related injuries, either because of the toy itself or due to its mishandling.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that in 2018 there were 17 toy-related fatalities. Most of the injuries (72%) involved children under the age of 15, and most of the fatalities were caused by automobiles and non-motorized scooters. Other deaths were caused by airway obstruction such as rubber balls, balloons, toy darts, toy food, and stuffed dolls. Last was drownings and electrocutions. It is estimated that an average of 11,000 toy-related eye injuries occur in children each year, with the majority coming from BB guns and other weapon-related toys.
To keep your child safe this holiday season, inspect toys before purchasing. Look for sharp points, edges, and parts that can fly off. Check for durability should a child attempt to break, crush, or pull toys apart; do not give toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements. Make sure crayons and markers are labeled “nontoxic." Finally, it is important to NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button" batteries. These can cause serious injury or even death if ingested.
Original source can be found here.
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