by Agata Toborek, MD, Lexington Clinic Pediatrics
Holiday shopping is in full swing around the country. Already this season American consumers have spent more than $15 billion and much of that was spent on toys!
For a child it doesn’t get much better than a brand new toy for the holidays, but how do you know that toy that you’re gifting is safe?
Every year kids around the country are hurt by improper use of toys or by playing with toys that are not appropriate for their age. Friends and family obviously never mean to put children in harm’s way but can do so without even knowing.
There are some tips you can follow this year to keep kids safe when it comes to gifting:
- Buy age appropriate toys. Federal regulations prohibit toys listed for children 3 years and under from having certain small parts that can be potential choking hazards.
- Ride safely. If a child is getting a bike, scooter or other toy they can ride make sure the child has proper safety equipment such as a helmet, knee pads, etc.
- Check for recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly updates toy recalls on its website CPSC.gov. If a toy is recalled for any reason it will be listed along with information on how to exchange or return the toy.
- Be involved. The best way to keep kids safe with new toys is for adults to explore the toys with them.
- Be sure to also discard any plastic wrapping or other toy packaging that could present a choking hazard. In homes with older and younger children, make sure the toys for the older children stay out of reach to younger children.
Lexington Clinic is committed to keeping your child safe and healthy. If you would like to establish care with one of our providers, please call (859) 258-4362.
Agata M. Toborek, MD is board-certified in pediatrics. She provides services in general pediatrics and her professional interests include caring for children from the time they are newborns until they become young adults. Dr. Toborek is accepting new patients.
Dr. Toborek may be reached at (859) 258-5141.
