December is Safe Toys and Celebrations Month. As December is usually a time for giving gifts, especially to family, it’s important to make sure the things you buy for your children are safe.
Injuries, including head and eye injuries, can be very common this time of year. They land thousands of children in the emergency room.
The holidays can be hectic and it’s easy to overlook even the most basic safety considerations when it comes to toys and decorations. But making sure your family is safe this holiday season doesn’t have to be difficult. Make sure you consider the hazards of the decorations or toys you use and buy them using these tips.
How to Determine if a Toy or Decoration is Safe
One of the best ways to make sure the toys you buy are safe is to inspect them before buying them. With online shopping this can be difficult.
Look for detailed pictures from reviews if you want more information about a toy. Keep an eye out for things your child could injure themselves on, like sharp pieces or toys that come apart easily.
When putting up decorations, make sure any lights or hanging objects are out of reach from children and anything in reach can’t be torn down.
Always be sure to check what ages a toy is meant for. Be sure to check for a label from ASTM. This is the American Society of Testing Materials.
This label means the materials the toy is made from are safe. If you can’t find this label, don’t buy that toy.
This may seem overly cautious, but untested materials can prove hazardous or toxic and may end up being recalled later for safety concerns. Remember, being cautious is always better than the alternative!
Toys to Be Cautious With
There are some toys that can be hazardous when not handled correctly but they are otherwise safe. Be sure to pay extra attention when buying these kinds of toys for your children. Look at how they’re used and what precautions you need to take. These include:
Bikes, scooters, and skateboards
Be sure to have your child wear proper safety equipment, especially a helmet!
Balloons
Deflated balloons can be a choking hazard, so be sure to throw them away as soon as they’re deflated. Also, be careful about full balloons being popped, as the rubber can go flying and hit someone in the eye.
Plastic wrapping
Like deflated balloons, it’s important to dispose of plastic wrapping as soon as a present is open. Be sure to properly dispose of all packaging, especially small pieces that could become a choking hazard.
Toys that need charging
For toys that need chargeable batteries, be sure you supervise your children when charging them. Overcharging may lead to overheating, burning, or even starting a fire.
Toys to Avoid
These toys should be avoided completely. Some may be appropriate for tweens or teens, but if you have a young child, you should be safe and skip any of these kinds of toys.
- Toys that fire projectiles
- For younger children, small pieces and/or magnets
- Toys with sharp parts
- Toys with ropes or cords
- Toys that heat up
- All art supplies that are not labelled as non-toxic
The holidays are a time of giving. Seeing the delight on your child’s face when you get them the perfect present can make all the holiday stress worth it. Be sure that those presents will keep your child safe!
Want to make sure your family’s eyes are safe and healthy during the holiday season? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center in Las Vegas, NV today!
