The right toy can make the Christmas season the most wonderful time of the year for children and their parents.
But the wrong toy can make this season a time of pain, grief and regret for families with children who suffer severe injuries or death from toys they never should have been given in the first place, according to medical experts at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill.
"Sometimes the toys children want and what their parents give them are not the best choice for them in terms of safety," said Dr. Thomas Esposito, a trauma surgeon at Loyola.
"Many toys are not appropriate for a child's age and can cause choking, severe injuries, poisonings and even fatalities."
According to a recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the number of toy-related injuries involving children in the United States has risen each year since 2005 when 202,300 injuries occurred.
Last year, the number of children treated for toy-related injuries stood at 250,100.
Also, in 2009, 12 children younger than age 15 died in toy-related incidents.
Most of the injuries were from lacerations, contusions and abrasions to the face and head.
Most of the deaths were caused by small balls and choking episodes related to balloons and severe injuries from riding toys such as tricycles and non-motorized scooters.
"No matter the season -- winter, spring, summer or fall -- injuries and deaths such as those related to the choice of the wrong toy aren't accidental. They are really risks that are unrecognized, unheeded and poorly managed," said Esposito.
To lower the risks of toy-related injuries, parents should first become informed consumers and readers of labels when shopping for toys.
Consumer websites and package labeling contain the manufacturer's recommendations and other important information. Instructions should be clear and easy to follow.
"Children less than 8 years old should never be given toys with sharp points and edges, that have batteries that can be swallowed or that have heating elements that can cause severe burns," Esposito said.
"Parents with infants, toddlers and children who still tend to place objects in their mouth shouldn't even consider buying toys that contain small parts that can cause choking."
Beyond reading the label, parents should give any potential toy purchase a thorough inspection, Esposito said.
Take the toy out of the box and examine it to make sure its construction is sturdy. Twist and pull small parts to make sure they are securely attached.
"It's a good idea to open up any drawers on the toy and search inside for hidden objects that could pose a choking hazard. Immediately discard the plastic wrappings, which can cause suffocation or choking," added Dr. Mark Cichon, director of Emergency Medical Services at Loyola.
Children younger than 8 should also never be given toys that contain tiny magnets, such as building sets and magnetic dart boards, said Dr. James Berman, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Loyola.
The magnets can be easily dislodged from the toy and swallowed by children.
"This is a significant hazard. I recently removed a disk battery from a child. In many instances parents may not know that their child has swallowed a magnet until it is too late," said Berman, who has treated a number of other children who have ingested magnets.
Berman said the symptoms may initially appear mild, mimicking a stomach ache, but if not treated quickly, magnets can cause tears in the intestines.
"Children have become seriously ill from magnets and some have died," said Berman.
Nothing is more attractive to children than toys with bright colorings. But parents should beware. Brightly colored toys can pose a dangerous health risk to children from exposure to lead-based paint.
So far in 2010, the CSPC has ordered the removal of 16 types of toys from store shelves in the U.S. due to high lead counts.
"Children are mostly affected by lead poisoning because of their habit of putting things into their mouths," said Dr. Christina Hantsch, an emergency medicine specialist and expert in toxicology at Loyola.
"Unfortunately, children's systems easily absorb lead. Lead poisoning can cause long-term mental and physical problems, and in some cases death."
For more information and for lists of toys that have been recalled in 2010, go to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's official website, or check out ConsumerAffairs.com's Recall Information page.
