Avoid Pediatric Emergency: Keeping Your Children and Toys Safe During the Holiday Season

When it comes to your children, holidays tend to revolve around the prospect of new toys. This can be a challenge for parents who not only want to keep their children happy, but keep them safe from any sort of pediatric emergencyas well. Keeping toys purchased for your children age appropriate and following some of the following tips can help you to ensure that the toys and gifts you’re giving the young ones in your life are safe:

For children under the age of three, make sure to avoid toys with smaller pieces to avoid the choking hazards. Deflated or broken balloons can also pose a threat when it comes to potential choking dangers. At this age, children tend to put their toys through a lot so choose ones that are put securely together with dull edges so small pieces don’t get put places they shouldn’t be and sharp edges don’t cause injury. For any toys you do get your child, remember that at this age they tend to put everything in their mouths so regularly sanitize any playthings.

For kids from ages three to five, continue to watch out for breakable pieces to avoid any unsightly cuts or injuries your child may receive. If you’re looking to purchase material for art projects, choose products with the designation “ASTM D-4236.” That means that the products have been reviewed by a toxicologist and, if necessary, labeled with relevant cautionary information. At Wake Forest Baptist Health, we think that at this age it’s good to start teaching your children to keep their toys away from younger siblings to keep all of them better protected.

When your child reaches the ages from six to twelve, you still have to watch out for breakage and sharp edges to rule out those dangers. On top of this, however, there are some other more specific things to keep in mind. If your child has a toy gun, make sure it is brightly colored to distinguish it from realistic counterparts. Teach your kids to take care of and put away their toys when they’re done playing with them to avoid tripping or other related accidents.

More detailed information about keeping your children safe from any sort of pediatric emergency is available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.