Play it safe this holiday season with toy safety tips from Mercy Health

With the upcoming holidays quickly filling our days with to-do lists, errands and shopping, parents can sometimes take toy safety for granted. However, with toy-related injuries resulting in an estimated 250,000 emergency room visits annually, Mercy Health recommends that it should be in the forefront for those with little ones. While supervising your children’s play is the best way to ensure their safety, confirming that you are purchasing a toy that is suitable for the age, abilities and skills of the intended child is the number one way to help prevent an accident. While toys are rigorously tested and highly regulated, parents should focus on whether the toy is appropriate for their child. A toy that may be suitable for one child does not mean it is the right fit for another, even if they are the same age.

Mercy suggests that parents take these steps to protect their children from potential hazards:

• Examine toys carefully for hazards before purchase or play, like small parts and exposed batteries.

• Make sure the toy is age appropriate, but also that it is appropriate for their current skill level.

• Always choose toys labeled ‘nontoxic’ to avoid accidental poisoning

• Before giving your child an electric toy, check the packaging for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval to make sure it has been tested properly • Remind children to keep both batteries and magnets away from their faces, as these can cause life-threatening complications if swallowed or inhaled.

• Supervise play time whenever possible.

• In case there may be recalls, subscribe to recall announcements to stay informed. The government offers one at: www.recalls.gov You might feel that your older children are more sophisticated in their play; however, Mercy Health encourages parents to stay alert. When a new toy enters your household, check its packaging and directions for warnings and potential hazards. Any toy that plugs into the wall, makes loud noises, contains magnets, runs on batteries or shoots projectiles requires adult supervision. So what about the older toys in your house? Take a second look. You should examine these toys for small parts and broken pieces. Things that could easily be removed and put into a child’s mouth could pose a choking risk. If you have older and younger children in your household, it is important to regularly check that toys appropriate for one child are not left within reach of children who may still put things in their mouths. If you are concerned you may misjudge a toy’s safety in your house, Mercy Health advises using the toilet paper tube to test if a toy is a choking hazard. If the item can fit completely into the tube, or if it can be pushed into the tube (such as a spongy ball), it could possibly choke a young child. Toys that can form a tight seal around the top of the tube, such as a deflated balloon or a hard ball, can also be choking hazards. Aside from traditional toys, electronics are another popular item that needs to be carefully considered before purchasing. Many parents wonder if it is ok for their child to be on their iPhone or iPad. Mercy suggests that any child under the age of three should not be interacting with these devices on a regular basis. However, some older children can benefit from using educational interactive games on them, as long as they are used in moderation and balanced with other social and physical activities. If you have questions about toy safety, or you are looking for a new provider for your child’s health care needs, Mercy Health offers care close to home with more than 20 points of care throughout Lorain County. To make an appointment with one of our Mercy Health Physicians, call 877.930. DOCS or visit www.mercy.com and use our online scheduling tool.