Safe toys for the holidays.

The holiday season is always fun, frantic, and a little chaotic for families.

Every year, nearly 200,000 children under the age of 15 years are seen in emergency departments for toy-related injuries; more than 500 every day (Safe Kids Worldwide).

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for toys:

  • Choose toys based on the child’s age and developmental level and check for small parts or other choking hazards.
  • Be sure to include a helmet with any riding toy. (Bicycle, scooter, skateboard, sled, skis, etc.)
  • Make sure toys are stored safely after play to prevent fall injuries and that bins or containers do not have hinges that can cause injuries. It’s safest to choose a bin without a lid.
  • Be cautious with any toy containing button batteries or magnets. They are dangerous if swallowed and require immediate medical attention; if it makes noise or lights up there’s a button battery inside.
  • Avoid toys with strings, loops of material or ribbons which can become a strangulation hazard for small children.
  • Sign up for recall alerts at www.safekids.org or visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission list of recalled toys at www.recalls.gov.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season. If you have specific questions or need to have your child fitted for a bike helmet, please contact the injury prevention department at 412-692-8229.

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