When buying toys for the children in your life, there is a lot to consider. You want something fun, maybe educational, and definitely safe.
But experts warn that some toys designed for older kids can be extremely dangerous for little ones.
Dr. Gina Robinson, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, advises shoppers to carefully examine each toy for potential hazards.
“There are some things that smaller children, or babies, or toddlers could potentially get their fingers caught in. There are things that they could eat or swallow that could be harmful,” Robinson said.
Pay close attention to the recommended age listed on the packaging.
It’s important to pay attention to the recommendations by age.
“Sometimes we get excited about what the toys can do, all the bells and whistles and lights, and we think it’ll be fun, but you have to follow those age guidelines,” Robinson said.
If you’re buying for older children, be mindful of toys with many small parts, which can pose a choking hazard for babies and toddlers at home.
Robinson says if a toy or a piece of a toy can fit through a toilet paper roll, it’s a choking hazard.
Toys with magnets and button batteries can be especially dangerous.
Avoid high-powered magnets, make sure batteries are hard to access, and include a cover that is screwed shut.
Also, be sure to throw away leftover packaging, wrapping paper, and gift bags immediately.
“Especially plastic bags. We think they’re innocuous, but a child could get their head into them or put them in their mouths. It’s really unsafe,” Robinson warned.
If you have both older and younger kids at home, designate a place where older children can play with toys that have many small parts, keeping them out of reach of little hands.
And stress the importance of putting those toys safely away when finished.