It's National Safe Toys and Gifts Month – ER doctors say keep the holidays merry with safe toy purchases
December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, providing a timely opportunity to raise awareness of toy safety as families head out to do holiday shopping. In its most recent report, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 154,700 children 12 years or younger were treated in emergency rooms in 2023 due to toy-related injuries. Common reasons for ER visits include choking hazards, sharp edges and ingestion.
“Making sure toys are age-appropriate is really important when choosing holiday gifts,” said Dr. Amber Teague, a pediatrician at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital specializing in emergency medicine. “Also, be careful of toys for older children that might harm a younger sibling. Toys containing batteries or small parts can lead to serious injury or even death if swallowed, so adult supervision is vital.”
In its report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of injuries across all age groups — more than one in every five toy-related injuries for children under 15. Emergency room doctors recommend giving safety gear, including helmets, with gifts of scooters or other riding toys.
The most common toy-related injuries are lacerations, or open wounds often requiring medical care. Bruising and scrapes, and fractures were second and third most common for all age groups, while ingestion and internal injuries were second and third most common for children under five.
It’s also important to purchase toys from stores and online retailers you know and trust. The Commission, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seized nearly 1.5 million dangerous or illegal toys in fiscal year 2024. More than 100,000 of the seizures were related to products containing lead, which can harm brain development and cause other serious health issues.
“We want families to enjoy the holidays while being mindful of safety,” said Dr. Teague. “Follow age and safety guidelines for toy purchases, provide supervision and buy from reputable sources to help your little ones have a fun, injury-free holiday.”
For questions about whether an illness or injury needs medical attention, you can call HCA Healthcare’s free Consult-A-Nurse line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to a licensed, experienced nurse. For healthcare services near you, visit HCA Florida.