Safe Kids Safety Tips: Holiday & Toy Safety
Safety & Awareness | November 2, 2023
By Sonja Jensen, Nursing Supervisor Appleton Health Department & Safe Kids Fox Valley Coalition Member
It is that time of year again, where we enjoy festive meals with family and friends, decorate our homes with colorful decorations and watch with joy as children open their brightly wrapped presents. To help ensure your kids have fun and stay safe this holiday, here are a few tips to remember.
Some Facts about Toy Safety
According to a report released by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2021 there were more than 152,000 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries to children younger than 15 years of age. Frequently, these injuries involved lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the child’s face and head. Importantly, many of the incidents were associated with, but not necessarily caused by, a toy.
Holiday & Toy Safety Tips
- Make sure your live Christmas tree has plenty of water and look for the “Fire Resistant” label when buying an artificial tree.
- Place burning candles in sight, away from flammable items, and blow them out before leaving the room.
- Never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights, and never overload electrical outlets.
- Prevent burns from hot holiday food or liquid spills. Simply use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge.
- Move the ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks towards the top of the tree. That makes room at the bottom for the ones that are safer for young kids.
- Consider your child’s age and development when purchasing a toy or game. Read the instructions and warning labels to make sure it’s just right for your child.
- Check to make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards, before you settle on the perfect toy.
- Don’t Forget a Helmet for Riding Toys. Include a CPSC-certified helmet to keep them safe while they’re having fun on a new bike, skateboard, scooter or any other riding equipment.
- Store Toys After Play. Use a bin or container to store toys after playtime is over. Make sure there are no holes or hinges that could catch little fingers.
- Stay up to date on toy recalls. Safe Kids Worldwide compiles product recalls specific to children and sends twice-monthly e-mail alerts for recent recalls. Sign-up for the latest recall information at safekids.org/sign-childrens-product-recalls.
- Go to recalls.gov for additional information about product recalls related to kids.
