It’s holiday shopping time!

As you peruse the mall, outlets and discount centers, now is the time to think about presents galore. But when it comes to the very best gifts, it’s never been more important to keep safety top-of-mind. The little ones deserve to have tons of fun, but not at the expense of their well-being.

New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital reminds San Diego and the rest of the nation of the importance of children’s safety this holiday season. Recently, the hospital published its “10-Point Safety Checklist” in an effort to end children’s injury and bring the true merriment of the holiday season to families across the nation.

The truth is that millions of toys hit the market every single year. Unfortunately, many of these toys can cause injury, and in extreme cases, wrongful death. Nobody wants to buy an unsafe toy; tragically, some toys end up being bad choices unbeknownst to the public.

Although there are some national safety standards in place such as limits on lead content and the use of small parts, unfortunately, not all toys pass the safety test according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Each year, “thousands of children suffer injuries from toys severe enough to be treated in a hospital emergency room,” according to the report.

It almost seems like a nightmare to gift a toy that could potentially cause injury, whether you’re a parent, aunt, uncle or family friend. This year, you can be a great gift giver AND prevent injury by following these essential holiday gift-giving tips.

CHILDREN’S INJURY: PREVENT IT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

With holiday shopping front and center, there’s no doubt that millions of toys will be sold and purchased this year. From dolls to trains to castles and bears, here’s what you can do to pick the right gift while keeping safety on your holiday checklist as well.

LOOK FOR AGE LABELS. Most toys will indicate the appropriate age level. Buy toys that are well-suited for that age group and don’t be flexible about it: toys for older children may contain small parts. Younger children could easily choke on these small parts.

FIND TOYS WITH THE “ASTM” DESIGNATION. “ASTM” stands for the American Society of Testing and Materials, an organization dedicated to the production of safe toys. Toys marked with the acronym means that it meets national safety standards. Read the label to ensure it is age-appropriate for your little one for a dose of good measure.

AVOID “PROPELER” TOYS. Toys that shoot off objects can be a cause for concern, especially for smaller children who are unaware of its dangers. Young children could accidentally shoot off toys into others’ eyes, face or body, causing unintended injury. Pointy edges (such as darts or fishing rods) are also a bad idea for younger children. Play it safe and go for age-appropriate toys without pointy objects or flying features.

DON’T BUY TOYS WITH LOUD NOISES. As adults, we may be used to loud noises, but young ears could easily be hurt or damaged by loud sounds. Go for toys with normal-level sounds.

AVOID CHEAP STUFFED ANIMALS. When we say “cheap,” it doesn’t mean price; instead, it refers to the construction of the stuffed animals. Look for sturdy eyes, noses and bows. They should not be loose. Any stuffed animal that has loosely sewn-on features should be avoided.

Did you know there isn’t a comprehensive list of safe toys? Although many toys meet national standards, there are millions of toys out there. It would be impossible to create a comprehensive list of every single safe or dangerous toy. That’s why it’s up to parents and friends to make sure their gift-giving are age-appropriate this holiday season. Use common sense and err on the side of caution this year.

Here’s to a bright holiday season!

WHEN CHILDREN’S TOY INJURY OCCURS

Unfortunately, countless injuries occur every single holiday season as a result of poor manufacturing or toy defects. If your child has been injured as a result of a poorly-made toy, there are steps you can take to hold the appropriate party responsible. We can help you file a legal claim right away. Call now to discuss the details of your case: 1-858-551-2090. Speak to a children’s personal injury attorney right now FREE OF CHARGE. There is no cost to hire us and we only collect when we win your case. Call today.