According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 152,000 toy-related injuries among children were treated in hospitals last year.
MACON, Ga. (41NBC/WMGT) – The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to shop for Christmas gifts for your kids.
For Father Goose International Toy Store on Forsyth Road in Macon, the Christmas season is the busiest time of the year.
However, store owner Susan Westmoreland Dan says one of the best things about the specialty store is that every toy is safe for all ages.
“We do a lot of business in October, November and December, and one thing about our toy store is that we wrap gifts,” she said. “We have a lot of toys that are being studied and we have companies that a lot of them just sell in specialty stores, so we’re testing the safety of the toys.”
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 152,000 toy-related injuries among children were treated in hospitals last year.
Atrium Health Navient Medical Director Dr. John Wood says it’s important to monitor younger children as they open and play with new Christmas toys.
“We see toys that they put in their mouths and swallow the pieces,” Wood said. “As kids get a little bit older and they’re using mobile toys like your four-wheelers, motorcycles and things like that, we’re seeing injuries associated with that.”
Wood recommends keeping small toys away from small children, as they can be a choking hazard.
He also says you should research some sensory items before you buy.
“If you know you’re going to give your child something with chemicals, take a moment to make sure it’s not toxic,” Dr. Wood said. “Most package labels will have this.”
While health professionals want every child to have fun during the holidays, they say the most important thing is to make sure each gift is safe and age-appropriate so you don’t end up in the emergency room.
If you want to learn more about how to protect your children from toys that may be harmful, go to www.cpsc.gov.