Keep Kids Safe this Holiday Season

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has declared December Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. When it comes to toys and gifts for children, Prevent Blindness America says that must-have toys or the one with the lowest sale price may not be the safest choice.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that hospital emergency rooms throughout the U.S. treated 251,700 toy-related injuries in 2010, and 46 percent of those injuries occurred to the head and face area.

Prevent Blindness America says by taking a few simple safety precautions, such as the ones below, the holidays can be safe and happy for everyone:

• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
• For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured with the toy.
• Gifts or sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a face guard with a new batting helmet).
• Any toy that is labeled “supervision required” must always be used in the presence of an adult. Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
• Always save the warranties and directions for every toy. If possible, include a gift receipt. Repair or throw away damaged toys.
• Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.
• Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If a part of a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, the toy is not appropriate for children under the age of three.