So a scooter is at the top of your 8-year-old's holiday wish list. Fine, but don't forget the helmet, if she doesn't already have one. And the wrist guards -- after all, wrist fractures are among the most common scooter injuries.
In short, safety should be a major consideration as you search for the perfect gift for the children on your list, note experts at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
"Some of the safety considerations are obvious, such as protective gear for children receiving a bike, scooter, skateboard or inline skates," said Robert M. "Bo" Kennedy, M.D., assistant director of the emergency department and attending emergency pediatrician at St. Louis Children's Hospital. "But you also have to remember that children often play with toys in ways other than their intended use -- for instance, boys are inclined to swing things where they shouldn't be swung, whether golf clubs or bats, and often turn them into clubs."
Every year, 150,000 to 200,000 children are treated for toy-related injuries, and about 15 die while using toys, typically either by choking on small objects, or using ride-on toys and falling, getting hit by a car or riding the toy into a pool, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Following are some safety tips to consider when planning your child-oriented holiday shopping:
* If the child is receiving a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or inline skates, she should have a well-fitting helmet. Kids ages 5 to 14 are hurt more than bikers of any other age, and wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85 percent, according to the CPSC. Depending on how long the child has had the helmet and how much she has grown, a new helmet may be necessary. The Snell Memorial Foundation, which subjects helmets to rigorous safety tests, suggests replacing children's and adults' bicycle helmets every five years, because materials can deteriorate, and advancements make new helmets continually safer. In addition, helmets must be properly fitted so they don't easily slide backward. After adjusting the chin straps according to directions, the straps can be taped or sewn so they don't loosen. Knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are also recommended for inline skating.
* Avoid toys (including those that have parts that detach) that could be choking hazards for children age 3 and younger. "An awful lot goes into a toddler or baby's mouth -- it's the way they explore the world," said Dr. Kennedy. "A good rule of thumb is if it fits inside a toilet paper roll, it's too small for a toddler." One of the biggest choking hazards is the latex balloon, which can pop easily and become lodged in the throat. Until children are much older -- 8 or so -- mylar balloons are preferable to latex.
* If you're thinking of giving a bat and ball to a younger child, consider the softer, foam-type bats and balls.
* Reconsider giving anything that can become a projectile or shoots objects -- such as darts or BBs -- which can cause eye and head injuries. "I've treated two school-aged children in which a BB penetrated the skull and traveled deep into the brain, and another in which the BB penetrated the breast bone and entered the heart," said Dr. Kennedy. "BB guns fired at close range can cause life-threatening injuries."
* Large stuffed animals are OK to give babies, as long as they won't be placed in the crib, where the child can cuddle up with them and suffocate.
* Don't buy anything with points or sharp edges.
* Check for the "UL Approved" label when buying electric toys, such as train sets and remote-controlled cars.
The safety concerns aren't necessarily completely addressed once the gift is wrapped. Parents need to be ever-vigilant in keeping an eye on their children as they use the toys. For instance, your 7-year-old should be directed to play with his Legos in an area that is off-limits to his 2-year-old brother, such as on a high table where the play can be observed by a parent. And kids should avoid riding their bikes, scooters and skateboards in the street or anywhere near the street. "When they're learning, kids go fast and haven't learned to stop or control themselves, and it's easy for them to roll out into the street and into traffic," said Dr. Kennedy.
The physicians at St. Louis Children's Hospital are faculty members of Washington University School of Medicine. Considered one of the top medical schools in the country, Washington University is known for excellence in medical research, teaching and patient care. St. Louis Children's Hospital is also a member of BJC HealthCare, the first fully integrated health care system in the country to join an academic medical center with suburban, rural and metropolitan-based health care facilities. For more information about St. Louis Children's Hospital, visit http://www.stlouischildrens.org.
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