Mechanicsburg, Pa. – Approximately 50 percent of all United States toy purchases are made between Black Friday and Christmas. The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) and Safe Kids Pennsylvania want to ensure a merry and safe holiday season. According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report, 226,000 toy-related injuries were reported in 2018.
“Right now, parents and caregivers are about to embark on the country’s busiest toy-buying season,” said Jessica Ritter, Safe Kids Pennsylvania state office coordinator. “It’s a great time to think about fun as well as safety by making sure toys are appropriate for a child’s age and maturity level.”
“Our children are the most important people in our life,” said Krista Brands, ATSPA CEO. “The first step in ensuring their safety is reading the warning labels and purchasing the proper toys.”
ATSPA and Safe Kids PA offer these tips to ensure safe gift giving this year:
- Consider your child’s age when purchasing a toy or game. Take a moment to read the warning label and locate the suggested age range. This information is placed on toy packaging to help ensure the safety of children. Small game pieces or accessories can be a choking hazard for children and pets. Toys that heat up may need parental supervision to avoid burns.
- Pay attention to gifts needing batteries. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 2,500 children ingest button batteries every year. Keep a close eye on batteries and gifts that require them. These include remote controls, singing greeting cards, watches, hearing aids, children’s toys, key fobs, tea light candles, flashing holiday jewelry, decorations, and many other everyday items.
- Consider Toxicity. Children are known for putting things in their mouths. Ensure that any paints, crayons, markers, putty, play clay, etc. are non-toxic. Pay close attention to children when they are using these items to prevent ingestion.
- After play time is over, use a bin or container to store toys for next time. Make sure there are no holes or hinges that could catch little fingers. Also, ensure that all parts and pieces make their way into the bin before being put away.
- Stay informed about harmful products. Safe Kids Worldwide will make it easy for you by sending an e-mail alert twice a month. Parents can sign up at www.safekids.org/product-recalls.
More information on safe toys is available at www.pasafekids.org or by calling (717) 766-1616.
