Holiday Hazards: Keep Your Kids Safe This Gift Giving Season.

Toys. Presents. Gifts.

It’s December and it’s the holiday gift giving season. Some gifts are not always the best for keeping kids safe and present holiday hazards kids should avoid. Take a look at the safety tips below for this holiday season.

Small parts

For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, small balls, or items which can cause choking.

Balloons

Children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight years old. Discard broken balloons immediately.

Scooters and other riding toys

Riding toys, skateboards and inline skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and they should be sized to fit.

Magnets

High-powered magnet sets are dangerous and should be kept away from children. Whether marketed for children or adults, building and play sets with small magnets should also be kept away from small children.

Also consider a few tips once gifts are open:

• Immediately discard plastic wrapping or other toy packaging before the wrapping and packaging become dangerous play things.
• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
• Battery charging should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

Follow these tips to help keep your kids safe this holiday season.