It’s the most magical time of the year, but it can also be dangerous. December is “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month”, and with so many gift-giving occasions on the horizon, it’s important to keep safety in mind when shopping for children.
From age-appropriate gifts to checking for recalls, there are several simple steps you can take to keep the little ones in your life safe this holiday season. This December, celebrate with peace of mind by taking extra care when shopping for gifts. Let’s make this the safest December yet!
What is Safe Toys and Celebrations Month?
Safe Toys and Celebrations Month is an annual event observed in December. Prevent Blindness America made it to show how important it is to buy toys and gifts that are safe for the age of the child.
During this month, parents, guardians, relatives, and friends of children should look up the safety ratings of any toys they want to buy and make sure the age range is right for the child who will be getting the gift.
What Is the Purpose of Safe Toys and Celebrations Month?
December is “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month”, a time to remember the importance of buying age-appropriate, safe toys for children. Each year, thousands of children are injured due to the use of unsafe toys or non-age-appropriate toys. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) works hard to enforce safety regulations for toys and other products, but more is needed.
Safe Toys and Celebrations Month is a good time to spread the message of toy safety. It tells people to always look for age-appropriate labels, be aware of choking hazards, and get to know the CPSC’s standards for toys. It is also a time to remind people of potential hazards and inspect toys for hidden defects.
Celebrating Safe Toys and Celebrations Month can help ensure that children stay safe when playing with their toys. “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month” also helps people realize how important it is to make sure toys are safe, which can save lives and keep kids from getting hurt badly.
So this December, let’s all join together in celebrating “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month”. Let’s make sure that our children play with safe and age-appropriate toys so that they can have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Types of Toy-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Toys can cause serious and even fatal injuries, so it is important to know what can go wrong and how to avoid them. Here are some of the most common types of toy-related injuries:
Choking Hazards
Choking is the fourth-leading cause of unintentional deaths in children under 5 years old. Before letting a child play with a toy, it should always be inspected, the labels should be read carefully, and the toy should be right for the child’s age.
Falls
Falls are the most common type of riding-toy injury. Injuries from falls range from cuts and scrapes to bone fractures, bruises, and severe head injuries. To prevent falls, it is important to ensure that children wear proper protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can be as minor as a scratch on the cornea or as serious as a retinal tear that causes blindness. Toys such as BB guns or other weapon-related toys, sports equipment, and those that contain rubber bands or bungee cords are some of the biggest causes of eye injuries. Make sure to wear the right eye protection when playing sports, and ensure that toys are appropriate for the child’s age.
Drowning
Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children, and it can occur in as little as two inches of water. To keep kids from drowning because of a toy, watch them when they swim and don’t let them wear fake mermaid tails.
Motor Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in children. It is important to educate children on the dangers of playing near streets and school zones and to provide adult supervision when necessary. Following these safety guidelines can help keep children safe from motor vehicle accidents.
How to Observe “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month”
For “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month”, here are some important tips to ensure your toys are safe:
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.
● Avoid giving toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements.
● Make sure crayons and markers are labeled “nontoxic”.
● NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button” batteries as they can cause serious injury or even death if ingested.
Choose Age-Appropriate Toys:
● Remember the child’s age and development level when choosing toys (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: If the piece can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is not meant for children under 3 years of age.
Spread the Word:
● Share your knowledge about unsafe toys with fellow parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.
● Use the hashtag #safetoy on social media to spread the word. Follow these tips, and you can help keep everyone safe while celebrating during “Safe Toys and Celebrations Month”!
Conclusion
Safe Toys and Celebrations Month is a great reminder to be aware of toy-related safety tips throughout the holiday season. By knowing the most common types of injuries caused by toys and following the tips above, you can help make sure everyone has a safe and fun holiday. Schedule an appointment with Tayani to ensure your children’s toys are safe and age-appropriate for the upcoming holiday season. They can give you more tips and resources to help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.