For Immediate Release

From: Four Corners Health Department, Serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact:  Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  December 1, 2011

December is “Safe Toys and Gifts Month”

The holiday gift-giving season is upon us.  We are all looking for that unique, creative gift for our children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews.  We can’t wait to see that look of excitement, surprise, and joy as the child we love opens the gifts. 

As we shop, we trust that the retailer is providing items that already are certified as safe.  However, as a consumer, we need to keep in mind some key safety issues when selecting the right toy or gift.  Toys can pose safety issues if not soundly designed and constructed, or if the toy, created for older children, is used by younger children.  In the United States, nearly 251,700 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2010, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

Be a wise consumer – follow these steps when making your toy and gift choices.  Knowing what to watch for can make a big difference in preventing possible injuries from well-intentioned gifts. 

•  Buy age appropriate gifts.  Look for toys that fit the child’s age, interest, and abilities.  Avoid toys that are too difficult for young children.  Refer to the suggested age range label to help you choose toys that are likeable as well as safe.
• Be aware of what’s not considered safe this season.  Keep an eye on a consumer product website, such as ConsumerReports.org, to find out which toys have been recalled. 
• Read all instructions.  Contact the company for more information if needed.
• Buy toys that last.  With small children, sturdiness is very important.  Check that the item cannot be broken easily and can handle being twisted, chewed, or sat on.
• Check all gifts as children open them. 
• Don’t give nuts, toffees, and other hard candies to young children.  They can become choking hazards and are not good gifts for children under age 5. 
• Read the warnings and safety precautions accompanying the toy.
• Small pieces – Toys with small pieces are not safe for children under age 3.  Even if you’re buying the gift for an older child, is there a younger child under age 3 that will be able to reach the toy?
• Fire hazards – If your home has hazards such as open fireplaces, or old and open radiator heaters, think twice before buying toys that can easily catch fire.
• Adult supervision – If it is suggested that the toy requires adult supervision, how can you make sure that this will happen?
• Fake food items – For some children, fake foods can be very dangerous because the child mistakes them for food and tries to eat them.  If you are buying fake food, make sure that they are the right size for the age group.
• Poisonous items – Avoid all toys that may be poisonous.
• Avoid toys with sharp points or edges.
• Avoid toys that make loud sounds that may damage hearing.
• Avoid all toys with many strings or cords that may be a risk for strangling the child.
• Avoid BB guns or other toys that shoot objects that may injure eyes.

Finally, take the time to review any toy instructions with your child.  Make sure that your child is aware of how to use the toy.  Should toys and gifts break, take all pieces away immediately.  If they cannot be fixed safely, throw them away. 

Four Corners Health Department wishes you happy, healthy, and successful holiday shopping days!  Feel free to contact us at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573, for more information on making wise decisions when it comes to safe toys and gifts.  We hope all the children in your home will be smiling and playing safely this holiday season.