Experts say keep toy safety top of mind when picking presents

December is “National Safe Toys and Gifts Month.”

More than 200,000 toy-related injuries were treated in 2021, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission,

Dr. Roopa Thakur, a doctor with Cleveland Clinic Children’s, says it’s important to think about toy safety when picking out the perfect present.

Small toys and pieces can quickly become choking hazards if young children put them in their mouths.

Parents should also be wary of toys that have button batteries or high-powered magnets, as these can damage tissues and intestines if swallowed.

When purchasing these or other riding toys like bikes, rollerblades, and tricycles it’s recommended to pair them with safety gear.

“Consider giving a helmet. If it is one of those hover scooters or something like that, knee pads and elbow pads and things like that would be great as well to prevent injury in the case of a fall,” said Thakur.
To help determine the right age for a toy, look for the manufacturer’s guidelines on the packaging.
It’s also a good idea to check if the item has been recalled or banned.