December is a popular month for gift-giving with friends and family. Whether you’re a parent, uncle, aunt, grandparent or godparent, it’s critical to consider whether that toy in your shopping cart is safe and age-appropriate for the child receiving it.

In 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 11 reports of toy-related deaths among children 14 years of age or younger, according to the CPSC’s Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries Calendar Year 2022 report. Roughly, 209,500 toy-related injuries in 2022 were treated in emergency departments. Children 14 years old and younger accounted for the largest percentage of injuries (76%), while children 4 years old or younger accounted for the least (38%). Just this year, CPSC with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seized more than 1.1 million dangerous or illegal toys. Of those, nearly 101,000 toy seizures were lead-related.

Toy Safety Tips

From hoverboards to plushies, you can help keep children safe from toxins and choking. Follow the CPSC’s guidelines for choosing toys this holiday season.

• Follow age guidance and other safety information on toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.
• Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys and make sure that children use them every time.
• Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3 and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8. This includes small magnets and water beads.
• Once gifts are open, immediately discard any packaging, like twist ties.
• Toys must have age labels if it is a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.
• Report any issues with any toys on SaferProducts.gov.

You can support small businesses and find a great gift by checking out our map of toy stores in Oakland County.

Online Shopping Tips

And if buying online, review these additional tips:

• When buying gifts online you could be purchasing directly from a manufacturer, going through a retailer or a third-party seller. Look for the “sold by” information when purchasing from an online marketplace, such as Walmart and Target.
• Always read to the bottom of the product listing or check drop-down menus for additional safety information.
• Look for a certification mark on toys from an independent testing organization on the manufacturer’s label.
• If purchasing second-hand products from an online marketplace, check to see whether products have been recalled. You can subscribe to receive recall alerts in your inbox as well.
• Buy from reputable dealers. If the price seems too good to be true, this can be a sign that the product is not authentic or original and may be unsafe.

For safety tips on holiday cooking and decorations, visit CPSC’s Home Safe Home for the Holidays campaign page.

For more information on food safety, visit the Oakland County Health Division website. Follow them for more safety tips and health news on Facebook and Twitter.

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