December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and the holidays are an important time to be thinking about child safety. Toy-related injuries are reported more frequently to hospitals during the holidays, so watch your little ones closely while they play with their presents. Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, HI, is a caring and attentive medical community offering a wide range of services, including emergency physician services, behavioral health treatments, and more. 

Avoid Hospital Visits This Holiday Season With These 5 Toy Safety Tips

1. Read The Box

Read all the instructions and warning labels on the box before letting your child open the toy. Take a look at the recommended age range, whether the toy requires batteries, and if it comes with lots of little parts. Anything that could be a choking hazard is unsuitable for children under the age of five. 

2. Avoid Sharp Points Or Edges

Plastic toys can have sharp edges, which can cause injuries, especially to the eyes, resulting in a trip to the hospital. Young children should not play with sharp toys, and older children should be monitored carefully.

3. Avoid Toys That Could Break Or Shatter

Toys that have the potential to break into small pieces or jagged edges should also be off limits or only used under supervision. Additionally, make sure all toys are shatter-proof.

4. Know What’s Age Appropriate

It’s important to be aware of the stage your child is at and how that relates to their style of play. Toys often come with guidelines to help parents ensure they’re being used by the right age group, so check those and be cautious about giving a toy to your child if they’re younger than the manufacturer’s recommended age range.

5. Look For the Letters “ASTM” 

If you see the letters “ASTM” on the box, that means the toy meets the safety standards set by ASTM International, an organization that works to promote quality in products used worldwide. These letters are extra reassurance the toy will be safe to play with. 

There are a host of things to look for when you’re considering the safety of your children’s toys. But no matter what the box says, it’s ultimately up to you to determine what’s safe for your child and what’s not. And should you require a hospital that offers quality health care, call Kona Community Hospital at (808) 322-9311 or visit them online.