Gift-Giving Tips with Holiday Safety in Mind
The countdown to the holidays has been on many people’s minds. Focusing on favorite recipes, decorations, festive music and time by the fire feels especially inviting this year. If you decided to put up your tree or begin holiday shopping a little earlier than usual, you’re not alone. What’s more, Realtor.com reports decorating early can lighten your mood. We could all use a burst of happiness in what can feel like an otherwise heavy time. When it comes to holiday shopping, the options are seemingly endless. As you make your shopping list and check it twice, keep reading for toy safety statistics and safe holiday gift-giving tips from a personal injury lawyer in Charleston.
Why Toy Safety?
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2017
- Of those injuries, 38 percent were lacerations, contusions, or abrasions and 44 percent were injuries to the head and face
- Nonmotorized scooters were the toy category associated with the most injuries for children 12 years and under and children 15 years and under
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports one-third of all toy-related injuries take place in children under 5 years (with a “significant spike” occurring at age 2 years)
Tips for Shoppers
The CPSC released shopping tips for consumers, which include the following considerations:
- Refer to the label or age guidance and safety information
- For children under age three, stay away from toys containing small parts, marbles and small balls (AAP adds balloons to this list)
- Check for safe features in stuffed toys (embroidered or secured eyes and noses for young children and reinforced seams)
- Be cautious with magnets as high-powered magnet sets are a safety risk (toddler-teen)
- Match the child’s interest and abilities with your family’s play environment when shopping for toys
- Remember safety gear such as helmets for scooters and riding toys (use appropriate sizing)
- Research sellers and shop with reputable retailers
Check the Recall List
In addition to the tips mentioned above, take a moment to check the CPSC toy recall list online. You may also find signing up for their recall emails provides peace of mind.
**Shopping Ideas
**Are you wondering where to find age-appropriate, safe toys for little ones this season? The National Association for the Education of Young Children publishes a list of recommendations by age and stage on their website (covering birth-6 years).
We’re Here to Help
Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer in Charleston? If you believe a defective product caused a loved one’s injury or death, contact us. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 552-6011.
Additional Resources:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2019/CPSC-Expands-Toy-Safety-Collaboration-Efforts-with-Retail-Toy-Industries-Safe-Kids-Top-Toy-Safety-Tips-for-Shoppers-This-Holiday-Season