December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Toy Safety Tips to Avoid a Trip to the Emergency Room
This time of year, we are all running around, trying to find time to do everything that needs to be done, before the Holidays arrive. Safe toys and gifts are not always the priority during last minute shopping. In our haste to get all the decorations up and all the presents bought and wrapped, we might overlook certain things that could endanger our children.
December has been designated as Safe Toy and Gifts Month precisely to remind us to put safety first when it comes to the gifts we put under our tree.
Prestige ER’s biggest wish this Holiday Season is for everyone to have a safe and happy celebration, for this reason, we have put together a little safety checklist for buying toys. Remember that at Prestige ER in Plano, we offer you the best emergency care and while others are closed during the holiday, #WeStayOpen. We prefer to spread awareness so that there will be less of a need to visit the ER, especially during Christmas.
The Dangers of Unsafe Toys
When we think of buying toys for our children, we never think about the potential dangers some of them can pose, but according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms across the country treated an estimated 240,000 toy-related injuries in children 15 years old or younger.
Most of these injuries were categorized as:
- Lacerations
- Contusions and Abrasions
- Strains and Sprains
- Fractures
- Internal Injuries
- Ingestion of toys or toy parts
- Concussions
- Dislocation
- Puncture Injuries
Most Common Toy-Related Injuries
Of these 240,000 injuries, it is estimated that 20% were caused by non-motorized scooters like tricycles, and bicycles, and toy wagons. It is important to all always monitor children when they are riding their bikes, falls are frequent and while most result in just minor scrapes others could be more serious, there is also the risk of the child being hit by a motor vehicle if they are riding in the driveway or street.
The body parts most likely to be injured from playing with toys are:
- Head and Face (45% of reported incidents treated in the ER)
- Arms (23%)
- Legs (17%)
- Other body parts (15%)
Toy Safety Check List
When you are out searching for the perfect toy for your kids, keep these 16 tips in mind:
- Look for toys with the “ATSM” label, which means they comply with the standards set by the American Society of Testing Materials.
- All toys and art supplies should be clearly labeled as non-toxic.
- If you toy is made from fabric, make sure the label states it is flame resistant or flame retardant.
- If you purchase a stuffed animal, make sure it is the kind that can be washed.
- Always buy age-appropriate toys, that adjust to the child’s level of maturity and abilities.
- Avoid toys that have sharp edges, points, or spikes.
- Beware of projectile type toys, the projectiles should be made of soft materials to avoid injuries to the eyes, face and other body parts.
- Buy toys that are made with quality materials that can resist impact, if you fear the materials might easily break or shatter then it is best not to buy that toy.
- Pull string toys like kites should not be given to small children, and an adult should always be present when the kite is flown.
- Extremely loud toys should be avoided, as the high-pitched sounds can damage a child’s ear (and drive its parents crazy).
- When buying toys for children under the age of 3, make sure there are no small parts that can be accidentally swallowed.
- Only buy age-appropriate video games, remember some games are extremely violent and not intended for small children.
- Learn how to use the toy before you give it to a child, and make sure to teach them how to safely use it.
- You should read all warning labels, and precautions that accompany the toy and decide if this is a safe toy for your child.
- Always be present when your child is opening gifts, as a relative or friend might have inadvertently purchased an unsafe toy.
If your gift is edible, make sure what its ingredients are before you offer it to your guests as they may trigger food allergies in people with sensitivities.
Know When to Visit Prestige ER
Not every fall and scrape require medical attention however if you observe that your child:
- Is bleeding
- Has vision problems
- Is unresponsive, confused or has trouble staying awake
- Has trouble breading
If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, then you should rush to our Freestanding Emergency Center to have your child diagnosed and treated.
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
#WeStayOPEN 24/7, Christmas and New Year’s Day!
Prestige ER wishes everyone in Plano a happy, and safe Holiday Season, full of love and cheer.
As always, our emergency room will remain open during this time, and while we hope you won’t have to pay us a visit, we are here if you need us!
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately on .
#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano, Near Frisco and Allen
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7 during Christmas, New Years Day, and every other Holiday. If you need Urgent Care after hours, Prestige ER is OPEN!
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.
- CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
- Certified Full-Service Diagnostic Laboratory
- Specialized Pediatrics ER Care Facilities
- Extended Stay Capacity
Email: info@prestigeer.org Phone: (972)527-3000 #BestERPlano
