More than 170,000 children made toy-related visits to emergency rooms in the U.S. last year, according to estimates by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of the deaths were related to airway obstruction from small toys, drowning or motor vehicle accidents during play.
On Wednesday, the CPSC released the top five toy hazards you need to know.
Betty Hall of Spartanburg has ten grandchildren, and she will shop for each one of them this holiday season. "They always give me a little list. It might be a particular game, or a particular puzzle, or something, “ says Hall. While the bells and whistles are sure to put a sparkle in their eyes, she wants to make sure her gifts are safe. “I call their mother and talk to her about it."
The Consumer Product Safety commission says there are holiday hazards we should all keep in mind.
1. Scooters and other riding toys top the list.
They go fast and falls can be deadly.
2. For children younger than 3, small balls and parts pose a choking hazard.
3. The same goes for balloons for children under 8.
4. For children under 6, the CPSC says avoid building or play sets with small magnets.
If swallowed they can be deadly.
5. Charges and adapters can overcharge and pose thermal burn hazards to children...
6. Don’t forget, once you open the gifts, throw away wrapping and the plastic in which toys come in.
The CPSC says most toy injuries last year were cuts and abrasions, and the head and face were the areas most frequently affected. They say you should remember to keep toys appropriate for older children away from their younger brothers and sisters.
There is one gift that's safe, and comes in just the right color. Hall says, “I always give them some money. They like videos. A something special something that they'll have on their list..."
Because even though socks and scarves are safe, she wants her grandkids to smile rather than sigh come Christmas morning.
Hot Holiday Toys:
http://www.parents.com/fun/toys/kids/?ordersrc=yahoo1besttoys_gallery&cobrandId=ww5&s_kwcid=TC-3534-84981428522-S-37215584522
http://www.top-toys-kids.com/top-toys-2008.htm
http://toys.about.com/od/hotnewtoyreleases/tp/hotboystoys2008.htm
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