December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.
Started by the nonprofit organization, Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.
Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.
Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:
- Check the labels of the toys before purchasing them. Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Avoid toys with small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children.
- Inspect the toys for any hazards by examining them for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.
- Research the toys and gifts online by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.
- Consider the child’s age before buying any gifts or toys. Also consider their interests and abilities when selecting gifts for them.
- Support educational toys by choosing toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.
- Spread awareness by sharing safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.
Taking proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.
To schedule an eye exam for your child at Flushing Hospital’s Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.