Play It Safe – Holiday Toy Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is highlighting the importance of safety when buying and playing with kids’ toys – even for older children. CPSC’s Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report found there were 11 deaths, and an estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger.
The majority of the 11 deaths reported were attributed to choking or asphyxiation associated with small parts, balls, or balloons. Non-motorized scooters accounted for one in every 5 toy-related injuries to children aged 14 and younger.
Following these safety tips for safe and happy holiday activities including toy-buying
* Follow age guidance and other safety information on toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.
* Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys–and make sure that children use them every time.
* Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3 and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.
* Once the gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous playthings.
Visit CPSC’s Holiday Safety Information Center for more holiday safety tips. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
