As the holiday shopping season approaches, healthcare professionals and consumer protection officials in Connecticut are raising awareness about the potential dangers of children’s toys. The **Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection** and **Yale New Haven Health** have issued strong warnings for families to carefully assess the safety of toys before making purchases.
“The holidays should be filled with excitement, not emergency room visits,” stated **Dr. James Dodington**, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at **Yale New Haven Hospital**. He emphasized that while most toys are safe when used correctly, the increasing presence of counterfeit items online poses significant risks for unsuspecting parents.
The dangers associated with counterfeit toys are substantial, according to Dr. Dodington. These items often lack proper safety testing, labeling, or quality materials. He noted that legitimate toy packaging always includes essential information, such as age recommendations and safety warnings. “If you notice inconsistent packaging or missing details, treat it as a red flag,” Dr. Dodington warned.
Understanding Developmental Readiness and Safety Risks
Experts stress the importance of selecting toys that match a child’s developmental abilities, rather than simply their chronological age. **Dr. Magna Dias**, chair of pediatrics at **Bridgeport Hospital**, pointed out that children develop at different rates. “A toy that is too advanced can frustrate a child, while one that is too simple may not engage them,” she said. Thus, choosing appropriate toys supports both safety and healthy growth.
The **U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s** latest report highlights a troubling statistic: there were **10 deaths** and an estimated **154,700 emergency department-treated injuries** related to toys for children aged 12 years and younger in 2023.
In addition to hazards like sharp edges and detachable pieces, clinicians are cautioning parents about the sound levels of electronic toys. **Sam Schild**, a pediatric otolaryngologist at **Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital**, noted that many toys can exceed safe decibel limits, potentially damaging a child’s hearing. “If a toy seems loud to an adult, it’s almost certainly too loud for a young child,” he advised.
Safety features are crucial as well. Toys should have secure battery compartments, and parents are advised to keep loose batteries out of reach. If a child swallows a battery, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Essential Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping
When selecting gifts such as scooters, bicycles, or skateboards, parents should ensure that a properly fitted helmet is included. Additionally, toys should be inspected for edges, seams, or moving parts that could pose cut or pinch hazards. **Bryan T. Cafferelli**, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, highlighted the risks associated with long cords or straps that could lead to strangulation, especially for young children.
Small or detachable pieces are also a significant choking hazard, particularly for children under three years old. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, non-motorized scooters accounted for one in every five toy-related injuries among children younger than 15 years old.
As families prepare for the holidays, Commissioner Cafferelli emphasized the importance of ensuring toy safety. “Taking the time to make sure your gifts for kids are safe will ensure a happy holiday season,” he stated. He also provided a simple method for checking for choking hazards: if a toy can fit inside the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper, it poses a risk for small children.
To further enhance safety, parents are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
– Choose age-appropriate toys by checking label recommendations.
– Ensure fabrics are labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
– Verify that any painted toys use lead-free paint.
– Watch for choking hazards in households with children under three.
– Check for strangulation risks from straps or cords.
– Avoid toys with button batteries or small magnets, which can cause serious injuries if swallowed.
– Test electronic toys for safe sound levels and avoid excessively loud items.
– Match toys to a child’s developmental stage and abilities.
If parents encounter unsafe toys, they can report concerns by visiting ct.gov/DCP and following the directions to file a complaint. Complaints can also be directed to the **U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission** and the **Federal Trade Commission**.
As the holiday season approaches, prioritizing toy safety can help ensure that families celebrate without the specter of preventable injuries.
