As the holiday season brightens homes across the country, parents and gift-givers are busy searching for the perfect toy that their little ones will enjoy. But amid the excitement, toy safety remains an essential concern. Each year, thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries, a reminder of how important careful selection can be. With the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issuing more than 150 toy recalls annually, understanding key safety guidelines can help ensure that holiday surprises become happy memories rather than traumatic experiences.
The stakes of toy safety
Recommended Videos
According to the CPSC, in 2023 alone, over 150,000 children 12 years-old and younger, were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Common risks include choking from small parts, exposure to toxic materials like lead or BPA, and injuries from sharp edges or excessive noise. With these dangers in mind, it’s essential to take a closer look at key safety considerations before choosing any toy.
Key safety considerations
- Age-Appropriate Labeling: The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requires age ratings on toys to reflect developmental safety considerations. Pay close attention to these labels on the packaging—they’ll help you determine whether a toy is an appropriate and safe choice for the child you have in mind.
- Avoid Choking Hazards: For children under 3, steer clear of toys with detachable small parts and latex balloons, which are leading causes of choking.
- Check for Toxic Materials: To ensure toys are free from harmful substances, look for safety certifications such as ASTM F963, which indicates the product has met key chemical and material standards. Be cautious of toys with a strong chemical odor, as this can signal poor-quality materials or potential toxins. It also helps to check that any plastic components are labeled BPA-free, giving you added confidence that the toy is safe for a child to handle and play with.
- Secondhand Shopping Precautions: For secondhand toys, inspect for wear and tear, missing small parts, or outdated materials (e.g., vintage toys may contain lead paint).
- Stay Updated on Recalls: The CPSC’s website and its free recall alert app provide real-time updates on hazardous products. “A quick check before purchasing can prevent a crisis,” Carter emphasizes.
Final safety tips for holiday shopping
To keep holiday shopping safe and stress-free, it helps to communicate with family, so everyone chooses gifts that make sense for the child. Take a quick look at packaging and skip items that seem poorly labeled or tampered with. Try to choose toys that encourage learning and meet basic safety guidelines. Don’t forget, buying electronics can be dangerous too. Before buying anything electronic, make sure it’s been tested and certified to meet standard safety requirements.
A safe and joyful season
By keeping safety in mind throughout the holiday season, parents and gift-givers can help ensure children’s playtime remains both enjoyable and secure. A little research can make a big difference in protecting the little ones, and careful choices can help keep the season safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Resources: Visit CPSC.gov/Toys for recall alerts and age-specific toy guidelines.