Considering the regularity of toy recalls today, parents may be concerned about the safety of toys during the holiday gift-giving season.  How can you tell if your child’s gifts could become holiday hazards?

Each December, the National Safe Kids Campaign celebrates Safe Toys and Gifts Month to provide parents with guidance when selecting holiday gifts for children.  According to Debbie Leger, RN, BSN, CCRN, Community Health and Safe Kids Catawba County coordinator for Catawba Valley Medical Center, “Finding safe and appropriate toys for children is easier than ever.  There are plenty of great options for kids of any age, so gift-giving – and receiving – can still be as creative and fun as always.”
The Safe Toys and Gifts campaign recommends the following tips when purchasing or receiving toys:

• Consider the child’s age, interests and skill level. Look for quality design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
• Consider purchasing a small parts tester to determine whether small toys may present a choking hazard to children under age 3. Small parts testers can be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores.
• Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud noises, and projectiles (such as darts).
• Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches can unintentionally strangle children and should be avoided.
• Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element – batteries, electrical plugs – for children under age 8.
• Use gifts of bicycles, inline skates, scooters and skateboards as opportunities to teach your children about safe riding. Make the appropriate safety gear (helmets, reflective clothing or stickers, horns and bells, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads) part of your gift.

Visit www.safekids.org to check for recent toy recalls.

To learn more about safe and age-appropriate toys for children, visit www.safekids.org or call Debbie Leger at the Health First Center, 828/485-2300.