Safe Toys and Gifts Month
December is safe toys and gifts month so let’s make sure our kids enjoy safely! Few things in life compare to the joy on children’s faces on Christmas morning while they open their much-anticipated gifts.
As parents, we do our best to please our kids and gift them that special toy they are dreaming of. However, in our frenzy to get the most popular toys, we sometimes forget to check how safe they are.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently published its findings on toy safety for last year. In the report, they discovered the following alarming statistics:
- In 2020 there were more than 198,000 toy-related injury ER visits
- 75% of injuries involved patients age 15 and younger
- Most injuries occurred in the head and face areas, closely followed by injuries in the arms and legs
- The most common toy-related injuries were lacerations, contusions/abrasions, and bone fractures
- The top toy categories associated with toy-related injuries were non-motorized scooters
- Building sets were identified as the main toy-related injury cause for children 4 years or younger
Safe Toy Check List
This year our goal at Prestige ER is to minimize toy-related injuries; for this purpose, we have compiled a short checklist to ensure you purchase the safest toys and gifts for your children.
There are three ways you can help keep your safe, not just this holiday season but year-round as well.
- Only gift them toys that age-appropriate
- Take the time to teach them how to use their toys safely
- Always supervise them as they play
Safety Guidelines
When you are out looking for that perfect toy, remember to follow the CPSC standards, which include:
- Ensuring any fabric on the toy is flame resistant or flame retardant
- Read the toy label to ensure the paint and other materials are lead-free
- Choose stuffed toys and dolls that are washable
- Crayons and other coloring supplies must be non-toxic. Always look for the seal of approval of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Safe Toy Shipping Guide
- Only buy age-appropriate toys and those that suit your child’s abilities, and interests
- Toys for small children should not have any parts smaller than 1¼ inches in diameter and 2¼inches in length. Children can swallow small toy parts which can get lodged in their windpipes and make breathing difficult
- Battery operated toys should have a battery case secured with screws to prevent small children from opening it. Battery fluid can cause severe injuries including chemical burns, internal bleeding, and choking
- When gifting bicycles, scooters, inline skates, skateboards, and scooters, remember to also purchase protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, helmets, as well as hand, wrist, and shin guards
When to Rush to Prestige ER
Children are resilient, and thanks to their flexibility, they can withstand falls better than most adults. However, because of their energy levels, they also tend to expose themselves to injuries more often.
Knowing when an injury is severe enough to warrant emergency medical attention can help save your child’s life.
These situations always warrant a trip to our ER:
- After any fall that involves a blow to the head. If you notice any signs of a concussion, rush to the ER
- If your child swallows a small toy part and it becomes stuck in their windpipe, or if they lodge any foreign object in their nostrils. The minute you notice your child having difficulty breathing is the time you should rush to the ER
- If it looks like they might have a fractured bone
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way. For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
#WeStayOPEN 24/7, through weekends & all holidays!
Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano, Mesquite, and surrounding cities.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
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.
#1 Emergency Room in Plano and Mesquite Texas
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Mesquite and Plano. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
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
