Did you know that every three minutes a child in this country is treated in the ER (emergency room) for a toy-related injury? With all the new toys your little ones received over the holidays, now is a great time for a reminder about proper toy safety.
New data published in Clinical Pediatrics, from researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, claims toy-related injuries among children and teens increased by 40% between 1990 and 2011.
Foot-powered scooters and riding toys, including tricycles and wagons, are responsible for the most injuries, usually dislocated or broken bones. Choking on small toys is the next most common injury among young children.
While your kiddo’s toys are amazing tools to help spark learning and creativity…parents, grandparents and sitters should all be reminded of a few tips to keep children safe:
- follow manufacturers’ age restrictions and proper operating instructions for toys
- check toys for small parts that could be choking hazards
- ensure riding toys are used on dry, flat surfaces away from roads and traffic
- supervise children under eight years on riding toys
- insist on wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads when riding bikes, scooters, other riding toys, skateboards, and roller or inline skates
- keep up with regular toy recalls at Recalls.gov
Also watch out for broken or worn-out items that may need to be tossed, and disinfect toys frequently to get rid of any germs that may be camped out on surfaces and hidden in crevices.
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