December 2021 Is Safe Toys And Gifts Month

“Safe Toys And Celebration”/ Gifts month is observed each year in December. Kids are extremely excited because it is the time of the year for celebrations, gifts, and toys. Nevertheless, it is important to note that approximately 1 out of 10 children experience an eye injury and end up in the emergency room. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that parents be vigilant when choosing holiday gifts for children, and they also recommend avoiding toys like crossbows and BB guns that launch projectiles. Parents must stop and consider the toy safety and age-appropriate classification.  Each year thousands of children are hurt or even killed due to engagement with an unsafe or educationally inappropriate toy.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2017. It was reported that approximately 50% of those incidents were injuries to the head, and most of these injuries happen to children under age 15. Parents must be proactive and mindful about the safety of any gift they’re giving to a child.  The American Academy of Ophthalmology urges parents to avoid buying toys that can cause serious eye injuries, even blindness.

Gift Giving And Toys Tips

The Prevent Blindness and PublicHealthMAPS.org organizations provide tips to gift-givers to make sure gifts are safe, especially those intended for children. Before purchasing a toy or gift, they suggest:

• Avoid purchasing toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges
• Ask yourself or the parent if the toy is right for the child’s ability and age
• Consider whether other smaller children may be in the home that may have access to the toy
• Check the lenses and frames of children’s sunglasses; many can break and cause injuries
• Check labels for age recommendations and be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for a child’s age and maturity.
• Buy toys that will withstand impact and not break into dangerous shards
• Read all warnings and instructions on the box
• Look for the letters “ASTM.” This designation means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials
  (ASTM)
• Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off
• If you give a gift of sports equipment, also give the appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Check with your ophthalmologist to learn about protective gear recommended for your child’s sport
• Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball along with eye goggles or a faceguard with a new batting helmet for baseball or softball)
• Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking
• Do not purchase toys with long strings or cords, especially for infants and very young children as these can become wrapped around a child’s neck;
• Always dispose of uninflated or broken balloons immediately. According to the CPSC, more children have suffocated from them than any other type of toy
• Ensure that laser product labels include a statement that the device complies with 21 CFR (the Code of Federal Regulations) Subchapter J (per an American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendation)

Consider The Following To Enhance Your Child Safety

Eliminate danger and potential harm to your child (Source: https://nationaltoday.com/safe-toys-and-gifts-month/):

• Inspect toys before purchasing
• Look for sharp points, edges, and parts that can fly off.
• Check for durability should a child attempt to break, crush or pull toys apart.
• Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements
• Make sure crayons and markers are labeled “nontoxic.”
• It is important to NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button” batteries. These can cause serious injury or even death if ingested.
• Make sure the toy is age-appropriate
• You must keep in mind that not every toy is meant for every child.
• Keep in mind the child’s age and development level (most toys offer an age range for guidance).
• If shopping for infants and children with special needs, look for toys that appeal to the senses (sound, light, movement, texture, etc.)
• Remember the rule: If the piece can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is not meant for children under 3 years of age.
• Spread the word. Even the best parents can get it wrong.
• It’s crucial to share your knowledge about unsafe toys with fellow parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.

Why Safe Toys And Gifts Are Important 

• Prevent Blindness Due Tom Injuries
• It alerts us to choking hazards
• Choking is a major risk for children when playing with toys — specifically when they’re under 3 years old. Let’s thoroughly inspect the level of choking risk for each toy we give.
• Many toy manufacturers have put child safety first. However, adult supervision is the best way to manage and reduce risk
• Employees, buyers, and managers must make sure that the toys have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) label. This means that the toy has met the national safety standards.

This Christmas 2021 and the Holidays are special this year when you compare them to Christmas 2020. We were amid COVID-19 and were limited to how we celebrated with family and loved ones. This year there we can expect a higher level of excitement and engagement during this special time of the year.  It is important to note that parents, family members, and love ones need to be careful and safe to make sure the toys fit each child’s needs when purchasing gifts for children.

If you experience any eye injuries during this joyful time contact us immediately so that we can give you, your child, or your family member the care they need.

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.