This holiday season, parents, caregivers, family, and friends might be searching for the perfect gifts for the kids in their lives. With so many options available both in stores and online, it can be tough to find something that’s not only fun but also safe.
When choosing toys, it’s important to consider a child’s age. Some toys come with small parts, sharp edges, long cords, magnets, button batteries, or balloons, which might pose health risks and are better to avoid.
In 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that over 200,000 kids ended up in emergency rooms because of toy-related injuries. Plus, product recalls for children’s items hit a record high in early 2023 due to hidden dangers and too much lead content, according to a report from KID.
Researchers are also looking into how exposure to phthalates—a chemical found in some plastic toys—affects kids’ health, raising more safety concerns.
With all this in mind, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a pediatrician and environmental health expert at Seattle Children’s, shares some important toy safety tips to help make gift shopping a little easier.
What should people skip when choosing gifts for kids?
Dr. Sathyanarayana explains that babies and toddlers love to put things in their mouths, so plastics aren’t a great choice for kids aged 0 to 3. Many plastics contain chemicals called plasticizers that can disrupt hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These chemicals might interfere with normal growth and brain development.
Little ones tend to take in more of these chemicals than adults because they put things in their mouths and breathe faster.
It’s also important for young kids to avoid toys with button batteries or lots of magnets. Children can swallow these batteries—either partially or completely—or get them stuck in their ears or noses. Besides being a choking hazard, button batteries can burn the sensitive tissues inside ears, noses, and throats. Swallowing two or more magnets can cause them to stick together inside the body, leading to serious injuries or even death. Adults should remind older kids who play with magnet toys not to put them in their mouths.
Additionally, cheap, colorful jewelry can be a worry. The paint on this jewelry can sometimes have high levels of lead, which is unsafe at any age. Lead exposure can harm a child’s brain development and lead to headaches, stomach aches, behavioral issues, and anemia.
Are wooden, natural or organic toys a better choice for children?
Dr. Sathyanarayana suggests that wood toys are a better choice for young toddlers and babies. Generally, these toys don’t have the harmful chemicals found in some plastics. However, parents and caregivers should check wooden toys for any splinters or sharp edges and sand them down if needed. It’s best to avoid old wooden toys with chipped paint, and if you need to repaint them, make sure to use new paint, as old paint might contain lead.
Stuffed animals and soft toys can collect bacteria, so it’s important to wash them regularly. Adults should also check stuffed animals to make sure their eyes, noses, and other parts aren’t loose and can come off easily. Soft baby toys should be big enough that they can’t be swallowed, even when squished.
When it comes to labels like “natural,” it’s important to know that this term doesn’t have a strict definition and is often used for marketing. Many people think of “organic” in relation to food, and there are regulations about what can be labeled as organic. Some fabrics, like cotton, can also be certified organic.
However, even organic foods can sometimes have chemical contaminants, and researchers are looking into why that happens. So, for now, the terms “organic” and “natural” don’t guarantee that toys are safe, and I recommend that parents be cautious about taking these labels at face value.
Also Read: Top Eco-Friendly Plastic Alternatives
What toys do you recommend and how can I help keep my child safe while playing?
Dr. Sathyanarayana recommends that the best way to keep kids safe is by watching them while they play and making sure their toys are suitable for their age. Always store toys in a safe place, check them regularly for any damage, throw away plastic wraps and other packaging after you open them, and read all the instructions that come with the toys.
For little ones who tend to put things in their mouths, it’s best to choose wooden toys and steer clear of plastics. This is because some plastics can have chemicals that disrupt normal development during this crucial time. Also, soft plastic bath toys shouldn’t be sucked on, as the heat from the water can make it easier for chemicals to transfer into the mouth. Instead, opt for books made of paper or wood fibers, as they are better choices than the squishy, plastic books aimed at babies.
If you’re thinking about getting art and science kits for older kids, keep in mind that some of these kits may include paints and other materials that can be toxic if ingested. So, it’s really important to ensure that the toys you choose are age-appropriate. The age recommendations on toy labels can be a helpful guide in making your choices.
