Health Minute: Tips To Give Safe Holiday Gifts And Toys This Year


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Giving Safe Holiday Gifts, Toys

NEW YORK, NY (Newsource) — As you shop this holiday season, a reminder from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: make sure the gifts and toys you’re buying are safe for those you’re giving them to. 

“We want you to have a safe holiday season and not end up in the emergency room, ” explains Nikki Fleming, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 





The latest report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found there were more than 152,000 toy related ER treated injuries to children younger than 15 years old last year.  

The injuries included lacerations, contusions and abrasions to the child’s face and head. There were also two deaths. 

“The fatalities were associated with choking on a small part and also suffocating on a plush toy that was added to an unsafe sleep environment, ” said Fleming. 





















The report also shows non-motorized scooters continued to be the category of toy that led to the most injuries in children under 15. 

“If you choose a riding toy such as a scooter, bicycle, skateboard, be sure to also include the safety gear that goes along with it,” continued Fleming. 

That includes a well-fitting helmet and other pads.  

When it comes to children under three, keep small balls and toys with small parts as well as button batteries out of reach. Instead, choose age-appropriate toys. 









“The best way to do that is to look at the age labeling on the product packaging and use that as a guide,” said Fleming. 

Once the gifts are opened, also be sure to discard any plastic wrappings or packaging on toys so young children don’t play with them. 

 

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