Baton Rouge Clinic Health Library

Health and Wellness > Childrens Safety at Christmas Season

     Published: 12, 2002

It’s that time of the year again! Time to begin your holiday shopping to find the perfect toys for those special children on your list and Catherine C. Katzenmeyer M. D., a pediatrician with The Baton Rouge Clinic, has a few tips to help choose the right toys.

Few things make a child happier than a new toy or game; however, what seems to be harmless fun could result in serious injury. Due to tough government regulations as well as efforts by U.S. toy manufacturers to test products, most toys on the market today are safe. Still, thousands of children suffer toy-related injuries every year.

According to Dr. Katzenmeyer, most toy-related injuries are minor but children can sometimes be seriously injured or even killed by dangerous toys or misuse of toys. Rubber balloons, small balls, and marbles are the leading cause of suffocation deaths from children’s play products, she said.

The solution is to think BIG. “In general, toys that fit through a toilet paper tube should be kept away from young children, as they are potential choking hazards. The presence of older siblings in the household increases the risk for choking since toys with small parts may be more easily accessible. So, when purchasing a toy for a child, consider the ages of the siblings.

Dr. Katzenmeyer also recommends following the recommended age ranges on toy packages.

“The ages listed are there for safety reasons, not simply to indicate whether a toy is developmentally appropriate for the child. Toys that are too advanced could be a safety hazard for younger children. Look for sturdy toy construction and when buying a soft toy or stuffed animal, make sure the eyes, the nose and any other small parts are secured tightly.

“Be sure to remove all ribbons and check seams and edges on dolls, stuffed animals, and rattles”, she continued. “Avoid toys containing small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can lead to suffocation or choking if swallowed. Watch out for toys with sharp edges and toys made from fragile plastic or other material that may break easily. In general, don’t buy toys with metal parts for a baby or toddler. To avoid poisoning, look for paint sets that are labeled nontoxic.”

Batteries also pose a hazard that few realize, according to Dr. Katzenmeyer. Small batteries are not only toxic, but can also pose a choking hazard. Electric toys should carry the “UL Approved” label, which states that the Underwriters Laboratories approve it, she said. Dr. Katzenmeyer also made the following additional recommendations.

• Avoid toys that shoot small objects into the air or make loud snapping or shrill noises, as these increase the risk of a serious eye or ear injury. Try the toy in the store before you buy it to listen for sounds that may damage a child’s sensitive hearing. Holding it next to your ear will help you know if it is too loud for a child’s ear.
• Watch for strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They too could be a strangulation hazard for babies. Before buying a toy, remember to read the instructions and teach the child the proper use of the toy.
• Be careful of holiday gift wrapping, such as bags, paper, ribbons and bows. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards as well to small children. Also, to avoid injuries, immediately discard toy packages before giving a new toy to a baby or toddler. Despite the best efforts of adults to choose safe toys, injuries will still occur, Dr. Katzenmeyer said, so supervision is the best way to ensure that injuries are prevented.

In addition, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parental participation in The American Heart Association’s Pediatric Basic Life Support course (1-800-242-8721); or, The American Red Cross’s Infant and Child CPR course. “Hopefully, these safety tips will help you make this holiday season a safe and happy one for you and your family,” Dr. Katzenmeyer.

Catherine C. Katzenmeyer, MD, FAAP
Specializing in Pediatrics

The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC, offers this information as a courtesy service. Please remember that medical knowledge is always evolving and we cannot represent that any of our information is absolutely current. Please consult a physician before taking any medical action based on information gathered from this or any website.