The holiday season is a popular time for gift exchanges with loved ones. Whether you’re a parent, relative or friend, it’s critical to know whether that toy or game in the shopping cart is safe and age-appropriate for the child receiving it.
In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 10 reports of toy-related deaths among children 14 years of age or younger. In addition, hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 231,700 toy-related injuries in 2023.
Injuries Increase with Age
While parents and guardians tend to monitor younger kids’ playtime, it’s also important to oversee older children. Teens and preteens are more likely to get hurt than preschool-age children, according to the report:
- Ages 14 and younger – 72%
- Ages 12 and younger – 67%
- Ages 4 and younger – 36%
Some of the more injury-prone toys are: nonmotorized scooters, balls, water beads, liquid bubbles for blowing, hula hoops, and piñatas.
How to Buy Safe Toys
From building sets to bikes, you can help prevent toy-related injuries. Below are the American Academy of Pediatrics tips for buying safe toys:
Read the Warning Label: Labels provide information about how to operate the toy and its age-appropriateness. Take time to show the child how to play with their new toy correctly. Choose toys and art supplies that say “Nontoxic” and electric toys that are “ULApproved.”
Consider Small Parts: Ensure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to reduce the chances of choking. This includes small magnets and water beads.
Avoid Projectiles: Toys that shoot into the air can cause eye and other injuries.
Look for Well-Made Toys: Make sure the stitching, eyes and other adornments on plushies are secure. Choose sturdy/thick plastic toys and furniture, as thin plastic can shatter into sharp pieces.
Buy the Accessories: Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys and ensure that children use them every time.
Toss the Trash: Once gifts are open, immediately discard any packaging, like twist ties.
Adults can access SaferProducts.gov to search a database of unsafe products to double-check any toys or report a dangerous product.
Where to Shop
When you’re shopping for toys and games, support small businesses and Oakland County by using our map of local, independent toy stores or shop online at Shop Oakland County Main Streets. When buying gifts from an online marketplace, such as Walmart and Amazon, decide if it’s a reputable dealer by looking at the vendor’s or manufacturer’s information. If getting gifts second-hand or from a resale shop, check to see whether products have been recalled by the CPSC at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Don’t forget to subscribe to emails on recalls, safety education and more at cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Subscribe.
Stay connected with the Oakland County Health Division on Facebook and X, and visit their website for additional health information and services.