JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Emergency room doctors are sounding the alarm about a number of popular toys and other items that could be dangerous to children for Christmas.
Parents should always read labels and make sure what they’re buying for their kids is right for their age. The same goes for gifts their children receive as presents from others.
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One of the main toys you need to watch out for is water beads. They’re very popular. They start out very small, but because they grow dramatically in water, they can be dangerous if babies or toddlers eat them, put them in their ears or nose, or inhale them.
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission said water bead accidents can cause hearing loss, infections, bowel obstructions, blocked airways. Some children have died.
Also, please be aware of the dangers of button batteries as they are responsible for a lot of visits to the emergency room. These are found in many common household items like your TV remote or a musical greeting card, but they can be found in some of your kids’ toys. Button batteries come in different sizes. They can be extremely dangerous to children if they’re accidentally swallowed.
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There’s also a warning about micromobility devices like, electric scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission released a report in October showing injuries associated with all micromobility devices went up nearly 21% in 2022 from 2021. Children aged 14 and under accounted for many of the injuries, with the most common being fractures and cuts.
And don’t forget trampolines can be a common gift for the holidays, but be advised, they do not have a good track record when it comes to injuries. You’re advised to have only one person jump at a time, and don’t do somersaults or flips.