For many children, the anticipation of receiving new toys is almost as exciting as tearing off the wrapping paper. New games, creative play, craft projects and colorful gadgets can mean hours of happy play and learning, says Dr. Kevin Gentile, a Pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Neenah.
As parents, caregivers and trusted adults select items for kids, it’s important to ensure gifts are both safe and age-appropriate.
Small Parts, Big Harm
Dr. Gentile highlights three toy safety concern he’s seen in his own practice.
- Swallowing button-sized lithium batteries. Once swallowed, the batteries interact with a person’s saliva for a chemical reaction that burns tissue. “This can happen in under two hours, so it’s very important that parents bring in their child so we can make a plan to remove that battery as soon as possible,” Dr. Gentile says.
- Ingesting small magnets. A single magnet may eventually pass through a child’s body on its own. However, ingesting more than one can cause serious complications like intestinal obstruction or rupture as the magnets draw together inside the body. If your child swallows one or more magnets, bring them to the clinic or urgent care.
- Thrifted or vintage toys that contain lead or other dangerous substances. “Someone might pass down a favorite toy from years ago because it holds special meaning, but old painted wood blocks may contain lead paint,” Dr. Gentile says. “The same goes for older thrifted toys. To play it safe, choose new models of these old favorites.”
Other Top Concerns
In addition to the dangers Dr. Gentile discusses, other top toy safety concerns include choking hazards, eye injuries, suffocation risks and puncture wounds.
Each year, advocacy group World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc. puts out a list of the top 10 worst toys. The group reminds adults that toys can lead to injury and even death, but harm is preventable. Parents also can reference toy recalls throughout the year.
Embrace the Joys of Toys
“Toys are the learning tools of childhood,” Dr. Gentile says. “They can bring people together, and that’s so important in this time when young people often opt to isolate with digital and electronic gadgets.”
He recommends:
- Age-appropriate books. From pictures to textures and storybooks to chapter books, the gift of a good book is always a great idea. When young people discover the joy of reading, they’re empowered to learn about subjects that interest them. This allows them to find a safe and healthy escape in characters and stories about other people and places around the world.
- Board games and puzzles. They teach young ones to cooperate, take turns, win (and lose) gracefully and think strategically.
- Arts and crafts. Kids have big imaginations. Non-toxic art supplies and spaces that encourage creativity and self-expression also can help teach fine motor skills, problem-solving and emotional well-being.
- Imaginative materials for creative play. Role-playing games like playing house, making music, dancing, and supervised cooking or building tasks foster creativity, innovation and self-expression.
- Experiential gifts. A gift could be a trip to the movies or zoo, or a membership at the children’s museum.
Gift of Togetherness
Above all, remember that gift-giving need not be extravagant or costly. Yes, children enjoy receiving — and giving — gifts. But more than any present, they’ll remember the special times together.
“This holiday season, choose toys thoughtfully and with safety in mind,” Dr. Gentile says. “You can help make good memories and teach skills for life — and that’s the best kind of gift.”
