TOP TEN THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING TOYS FOR KIDS

• CHECK THE RECOMMENDED AGE
• THROW AWAY ALL WRAPPING IMMEDIATELY
• MAKE SURE NON TOXIC MATERIALS USED
• MAKE SURE NO SMALL PARTS FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
• INSPECT FOR SHARP EDGES
• TOYS WITH STRINGS OR CORDS SHOULD NOT BE IN CRIBS OR PLAYPENS
• TEACH OLDER CHILDREN TO KEEP HARARDOUS TOYS AWAY FROM YOUNGER CHILDREN
• THROW AWAY OR FIX BROKWN TOYS
• SUPERVISOR TO ENSURE PROPER USE OF TOYS
• PUT TOYS AWAY TO AVOID TRIP AND FALLS

Children can have a lot of fun playing with their toys on Christmas morning. However, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. It is a sad fact that every year thousands of children are injured by toys.  This blog is dedicated to providing tips on  what to look for when buying toys.  I also  how a few simple safety tips to prevent injuries. Most injuries from toys are minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Unfortunately, toys have caused serious injury and even death in some cases. This happens when toys are dangerous or used in the wrong way for the wrong child. The CDC has conducted detailed analysis of toy related to children in the United States.   You can review details of their findings as  https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Toy_Report_2018.pdf?qIO1DVoYhV6lzYgcLa04K28yF28BOgdS

The report notes that “In 2017, riding toys continued to be associated with more emergency department-treated injuries for all ages than any other specified category of toy. Riding toys were associated with 69,400 of the estimated injuries, and 70 percent of which were related to non-motorized scooters. The top three specifically identified toys that were associated with the most estimated injuries for all ages in 2017 were: non-motorized scooters (48,700, or 19 percent); toy balls (25,700, or 10 percent); and toy vehicles (13,300, or 5 percent).”  Since 2003, over one million children in the United States have been treated in emergency rooms for toy related injuries.  Sadly, many children have also died from toy related accidents.

The number of Annual Toy-Related Emergency Department-Treated Injury Estimates 2013–2017 Calendar Years are as follows:

Calendar Year      15 Years of Age                   12 Years of Age or Younger¥                   Younger Than 5 Years of Age

2013                       184,500                                        175,500                                                    83,300

2014                         179,700                                       170,300                                                    84,000

2015                        181,600                                       173,200                                                     88,400

2016                        174,100                                       166,300                                                     85,200

2017                        184,000                                       174,300                                                      89,800

 

The statistics clearly show a significant rise and injuries to children under five years old from toys. It is incumbent upon parents and caregivers to pay extra attention to our youngest members of society to keep them safe and out of harms way. This Christmas all of us here at TheOneLawyer.com  stress that parents keep a close eye on children, especially children under five, and supervise them closely while playing with toys. It is no joking matter. Children die every year on choking on small objects from toys and small balls, sometimes right in front of their parents. In addition to keeping a close eye on children, it is important that every parent and caregiver know how to assist a child who is choking. Visit the following website for information regarding emergency medical care to a person choking. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=how-to-help-a-choking-child-1-197

The following are some practical tips to help you keep you and your family safe this holiday season:

CHECK THE RECOMMENDED AGE

Always pay close attention to the age recommendations on toys and choose one according to a child’s age, interest and skill level. Also, be aware of other safety labels such as “Flame retardant/flame resistant” or “Washable/Hygienic materials” on dolls and other stuffed toys, and learn how to properly care for the toys.

THROW AWAY ALL WRAPPING IMMEDIATELY

Be sure to throw any plastic wrapping from new toys immediately because it can pose a suffocation risk. If you feel you may need to return the toy, save wrapping in a location your child cannot reach it.

MAKE SURE NON TOXIC MATERIALS USED

When buying toys for infants under the age of one, it is good to choose toys that are colorful, lightweight, have different textures and are made of safe, non-toxic materials. Children this age learn through the senses like sight, touch, sound and taste.  That means they often put things into their mouth to discover them.

MAKE SURE NO SMALL PARTS FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

It is very important not to give small children any toy that has small pieces that can present a choking hazard.   Watch for any toys with small parts such as removable eyes, noses, etc., they are choking hazards.   Remember, if it can come off, it will come off.

INSPECT TOYS FOR SHARP EDGES

Remember to inspect all toys for sharp edges or pointed ends that are made from such materials as metal or glass.  Any toy that has these should not be given to children under 8 years of age and only if they are closely inspected.  This can include toys that you would not really think could pose a hazard like stuffed animals with wires that could stab, cut or shock if exposed.

TOYS WITH STRINGS OR CORDS SHOULD  NOT BE IN CRIBS OR PLAYPENS

Toys with string can present a potential of choking or hanging for young children.  Toys with strings, cords or ribbons of any kind should not be hung in or near cribs or playpens. Young children can become entangled which can injury, or even death. For more information visit https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safety-entrap.html

TEACH OLDER CHILDREN TO KEEP HARARDOUS TOYS AWAY FROM YOUNGER CHILDREN

Many families have older and younger children.  Parents need to teach older children to keep their toys that may have removable small parts, sharp points or toys run on electricity out of reach of younger brothers and sisters. Young children are very curious and may want the toys that aren’t appropriate for their age.

THROW AWAY OR FIX BROKWN TOYS

Keep toys and play equipment in good condition and discard any toys that are broken to prevent injuries. It would not have been a Christmas morning at my house growing up without my Dad in the garage at his work bench fixing the first of several toys to be broken on Christmas morning.   Toys that break can produce sharp edges, loose parts or electrical hazards.

SUPERVISOR TO ENSURE PROPER USE OF TOYS

Be sure to keep a close eye on the little ones with all their new toys.  Remember, you may have selected toys carefully but it is likely that older relatives may have sent yoys and gifts without as careful of a selection process.  Supervision is crucial to provide a safe and  hazard-free play environment for  both indoor and outdoor play. Toys get used and abused by children.  It is important to repeatedly inspect  toys for  maintenance issue and check for safety hazards.

PUT TOYS AWAY TO AVOID TRIP AND FALLS

Teach children early to put toys away when they are finished playing with them. This will prevent accidental falls over them.  It is just as important to protect my and Dad from injuries from tripping over toys.

As head out to do your holiday shopping for the little ones or sit down in front of your computer as most of us shop these days, keep these tips in mind.  The Law Offices of Laura Payne-Hunt wishes you a safe and fun holiday.   Please keep your children safe by checking all the new toys they receive.  At the offices of TheOneLawyer.com, we would like to see a safe and fun Holiday for everyone.

 

If you have a question regarding any type of personal injury, please don’t hesitate to call the offices of TheOneLawyer.com and speak directly to attorney Laura Payne-Hunt, Esq. , a Henderson Injury Attorneys for over 15 years.  Recognized as one of Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers, Laura has the experience and knowledge to obtain the maximum settlement you deserve.  Please call our office if you or if a loved one is injured.  We can make sure that you receive the care you need and deserve and advise on how to preserve evidence.

If you have been in any type of accident and have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Henderson and Las Vegas Accident injury offices today.  At our office, we are experienced in helping injured victims get the compensation they are entitled to.  Insurance companies never have the best interest of the injured person at the top of their priorities.  They want to pay as little on every claim as possible.  Having worked for an insurance company as an attorney for 9 years before opening my boutique law firm specializing in helping injured people, I reviewed thousands of auto accident claims and policy provisions.

At the Henderson and Las Vegas Accident injury Law Offices of Laura Payne Hunt, PC at TheOneLaweyer.com,  we are here to help you and your family in the event that accidents and tragedies occur.  For any of your legal needs, do not hesitate to contact our Henderson and Las Vegas Accident injury Henderson offices.  TheOneLawyer.com is a boutique, family owned law firm in Henderson that specializes in helping injured people and the community with legal issues involving auto accidents, wrongful deaths, slip and falls, truck accidents, injuries to children, bicycle accidents, dog bites, and all types of injury claims.  Please do not hesitate to call us anytime you have a legal question or you or a loved one has sustained an injury at 702-450-(HUNT) 4868 and text 24/7 at 702-600-0032.