Toys are the heart of the holidays for kids, and a few quick checks help keep the fun safe. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 154,700 children age 12 and under were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2023. Most of those injuries are preventable.
Read the Age Label
The age on the package isn’t about how smart a child is. It’s about safety. Toys labeled for older kids may have small parts or features that are dangerous for younger ones. Follow the age guidance and safety warnings on the package.
Watch Out for Small Parts
- Under 3: keep toys with small parts, and small balls, away from children under 3. They’re a choking hazard.
- Under 8: keep uninflated or broken balloons away from children under 8.
- Older siblings’ toys: store them where little ones can’t reach.
Ride-On Toys Need Safety Gear
Non-motorized scooters were the leading cause of toy-related injuries in CPSC’s 2023 data, with about 53,000 injuries. If you’re giving a scooter, bike or skates, give a helmet with it and make sure it’s worn every time.
Throw Away the Packaging Right Away
Plastic wrap, twist ties and packaging pieces can become dangerous playthings. Clear them away as soon as gifts are opened.
Buy From Sellers You Trust
CPSC recommends buying toys from trusted retailers and sellers you know. When shopping online, look for choking-hazard warnings on the product page for toys with small parts, balls or balloons.
Check for Recalls
Before you buy, and for toys already in your home, search CPSC.gov and SaferProducts.gov for recalls.
The Bottom Line
Follow the age label, keep small parts away from little ones, give a helmet with any ride-on toy, and buy from sellers you trust. A few seconds of checking keeps the holidays happy.