An emergency physician is emphasizing the importance of closely following toy labeling and purchasing age-appropriate gifts during the holiday season. Dr. Benjamin Orozco from Gundersen Health System highlights the need to consider all children in the house and not rely solely on age recommendations on packaging. Disasters are rare, but each year, about a dozen kids in the US die from toys and 250,000 get injured. Common sense is crucial, especially for younger siblings. Toddlers are most vulnerable to choking and ingestion hazards. For older children and teenagers, safety gear is essential. Scooters cause significant injuries like broken wrists and head injuries. It's advisable to include safety equipment with toys. Agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission do a good job, but sometimes dangerous items slip through. Some new toys still have hazardous lead-based paint. Dr. Orozco encourages purchasing games and activity-related toys to get kids outside and stimulate them. Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

Ensure Holiday Gifts Keep Kids Safe with Physician's Tips

Age-Appropriate Toy Purchasing

Dr. Benjamin Orozco stresses the significance of closely following toy labeling. He explains that while age recommendations on packaging are important, they shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. When shopping for toys, one must consider all kids in the house. Disasters are rare, but the statistics are concerning. About a dozen kids die each year from toys, and 250,000 get injured. This highlights the need for careful consideration.For younger siblings, especially those in the toddler range, choking and ingestion hazards are a major concern. Toddlers are likely to put things in their mouths, and unfortunately, this leads to a few deaths each year from small pieces of toys or wrapping.

Safety Gear for Different Age Groups

The hazards for older children and teenagers are different. Scooters, for example, cause most significant injuries like broken wrists, bumps, and bruises, and sometimes even significant head injuries. Dr. Orozco advises putting safety equipment right with the toy. When buying a scooter, it should come with a helmet and other necessary safety gear.This shows that safety gear is crucial for different age groups and activities. It helps prevent serious injuries and ensures the well-being of children.

Avoiding Hazardous Toys

Agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission work hard to keep dangerous toys off the shelves, but occasionally, something slips through. For example, there were some powerful magnets that were fun for teenagers but could be dangerous if ingested by a small child. Two magnets could stick together and pin pieces of the intestine together, causing the intestines to burst.It's important to be aware of such hazards and avoid purchasing toys with potential risks. Some new toys may still be coated with hazardous lead-based paint, typically items imported from other countries. Parents need to be cautious and choose safe toys for their children.Dr. Orozco encourages parents to purchase games, balls, and other activity-related toys that get kids outside to play. This helps stimulate their minds and bodies, promoting a healthy lifestyle.Gundersen Health System's clinics and hospital in Iowa provide valuable healthcare services and support in ensuring the safety of children during the holiday season and beyond.