Holiday shopping season is also peak toy-buying season, and most toys on store shelves and in online carts are perfectly safe when matched to the right child. Still, toy-related injuries are common. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 154,700 children aged 12 and younger were treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries in 2023, and 10 children died in toy-related incidents that year. A few minutes of checking before you buy, and again when gifts are unwrapped, can prevent most problems. Here is a practical checklist.
Start With the Age Label
Age guidance on toy packaging is about safety, not just skill level. A toy labeled for ages 3 and up may contain small parts that are a choking hazard for younger children, even if a toddler seems advanced. The CPSC advises following age guidance and choosing toys that suit each child’s interests and abilities.
- Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than 3.
- Look for the choking hazard warning on toys with small parts, balls, marbles or balloons.
- Think about younger siblings who may get their hands on an older child’s gifts, and set up separate storage for toys with small pieces.
Know the High-Risk Hazards
Button and coin batteries
Small, round lithium batteries power many toys, remote controls, musical cards and light-up gadgets. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal burns in a short time. Federal rules under Reese’s Law, which took effect in 2024, require child-resistant battery compartments and warning labels on many consumer products that use these batteries. Still check that compartments are secured with a screw or similar closure, and store spare batteries out of reach. If you suspect a child has swallowed a battery, go to the emergency room immediately.
Small, powerful magnets
High-powered magnets found in some building sets and desk toys can attract each other through the intestinal walls if more than one is swallowed, causing serious injury. Choose magnetic toys with magnets that are fully enclosed and cannot come loose, and keep magnet sets meant for adults away from children.
Balloons
The CPSC warns that uninflated and broken balloons are a choking and suffocation risk. Keep deflated balloons away from children under 8 and throw away pieces of popped balloons right away.
Water beads
The CPSC has linked water beads to toy-related deaths. These small, expanding gel beads can cause choking and serious intestinal blockages if swallowed. Many families now avoid them entirely, especially in homes with babies and toddlers.
Ride-On Toys Need Safety Gear
According to the CPSC, non-motorized scooters were associated with more toy-related injuries than any other category in 2023, with about 53,000 emergency room-treated injuries across all ages. If you are giving a scooter, bike, skateboard or hoverboard, include a properly fitted helmet and other recommended safety gear, and make sure it is worn every time. For electric ride-ons and hoverboards, look for certification to recognized safety standards and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
Smart Shopping Online
Online marketplaces make it easy to buy from sellers you have never heard of. The CPSC recommends buying from sellers you know and trust and checking for choking hazard warnings on product listings. Other steps:
- Read the listing closely for age grading, battery type and materials.
- Be cautious of unusually low prices on well-known brands, which may signal counterfeits that have not met safety requirements.
- Search the product name on CPSC.gov to check for recalls before buying.
- Keep receipts and register products when manufacturers offer registration, so you are notified of recalls.
After the Gifts Are Opened
- Clear the wrapping. Throw away plastic wrap, bags, twist ties and packaging right away. The CPSC lists this as a key holiday safety step.
- Inspect the toy. Check for sharp edges, loose parts and cords longer than recommended for young children.
- Assemble carefully. Follow instructions and keep small hardware away from little hands.
- Watch toy chests and storage. Choose chests with lightweight lids or no lids, and supports that hold a lid open, since entrapment has been linked to toy-related deaths.
- Check again over time. Toys break. Repair or discard damaged toys that expose small parts or batteries.
Gift Ideas by Age, With Safety in Mind
- Babies: large, sturdy toys without small parts, strings or detachable pieces, such as soft blocks, board books and stacking cups.
- Toddlers: push toys, large building blocks, chunky crayons and simple puzzles with big pieces. Skip anything labeled for ages 3 and up.
- Preschoolers: art supplies labeled nontoxic, dress-up clothes without long cords, and tricycles with a properly fitted helmet.
- School-age kids: board games, science kits used with adult supervision, sports equipment with the right protective gear, and books.
Whatever the age, think about how a toy will be used in a home with younger siblings, and choose items that match a child’s current abilities rather than the age they will be next year.
FAQ
How can I tell if a part is too small for my toddler?
Small-parts testers, sold inexpensively, show whether an object is small enough to be a choking hazard. As a rough rule, if it fits through a toilet paper tube, keep it away from children under 3.
Where can I check for toy recalls?
Search CPSC.gov or sign up for its recall email alerts. Many manufacturers also post recalls on their websites.
What should I do if my child swallows a magnet or battery?
Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if your child seems fine, and call your pediatrician.
Sources
- CPSC: Latest Injuries From Toy Hazards and Holiday Safety Tips
- CPSC: Holiday Safety Tips for Cooking, Decorating and Selecting Toys
Featured image: Tomascastelazo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0