Tis’ the season of giving and as we joyfully enter into this holiday season once again, public health officials and healthcare organizations are reminding us all to be vigilant and mindful of the hazards associated with certain toys, age specifications and overall safety guidelines. Prevent Blindness America is the main sponsor for this campaign and “encourages everyone to consider if the toys they wish to give suits the age and individual skills and abilities of the individual child who will receive it, especially for infants and children under three.”
Prevent Blindness suggests the following before purchasing a toy:
- Read all warnings and instructions on the toy box.
- Examine if the toy is right for the child’s ability and age.
- Avoid toys with sharp, rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges.
- Look for the letters “ASTM” which means the product meets national safety standards.
Child and Family Services suggests the following safety tips to keep in mind during the holiday season:
- Discard broken balloons immediately and keep deflated balloons from children younger than eight years old.
- Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children under age three.
- Properly sized helmets and safety gear should always be worn with riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates.
- High powered magnets should always be kept away from small children.
To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Sources: https://child-familyservices.org/december-is-national-safe-toys-and-gifts-month/
https://www.preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist
https://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/apha-calendar/2019/safe-toys-and-gifts-month-2019