ER doctors issue severe warnings against seven popular Christmas toys that land children in the hospital EVERY year
Gift giving season is upon us and experts are warning parents to be careful what they give away.
Although children love nothing more than to tear up a present on Christmas Day, there is a risk that it could be potentially dangerous.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2022, among children 12 years and younger, there were an estimated 145,500 injuries treated in emergency rooms, and 11 deaths related to toys.
To help keep your child safe, here's a list of some of the most popular gifts that have set off alarms among safety experts.
A potentially dangerous item is water beads. They are small and flexible and can grow up to 100 times their original size when exposed to liquid
Water beads
Water beads are small, brightly colored balls – often sold as toys or in craft kits that children love to play with.
The small flexible beads can grow up to 100 times their original size when exposed to water, but can also be potentially fatal if swallowed.
According to CPSCWater beads do not stop growing once ingested; they can continue to grow in the body.
This can lead to severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, intestinal blockages and life-threatening injuries.
Surgery may be required to remove the water beads.
Children tend to eat the beads because they resemble candy, especially for young children.
“We have seen injuries associated with both the ingestion of water beads and their placement in the nose and ears,” explained Dr. Sarah Ash Combs, a pediatric emergency room physician at Children's National Hospital, from on Today.
To avoid a potentially serious or fatal situation, CPSC suggests not giving the beads to children three years of age or younger, and storing loose beads in a secure container.
Button batteries
Button batteries – which are small, flat and round – are commonly found in many everyday objects, such as remote controls and watches.
The small batteries are not only easy to lose due to their small size, but also pose a serious risk if children accidentally swallow them.
According to CPSC, unintentional poisonings increased by as much as 37 percent in 2021, noting that 12 children under the age of five died from ingesting button cell batteries between 2017 and 2021.
The small batteries are not only easy to lose due to their small size, but also pose a serious risk if children accidentally swallow them
Dr. Shawn Safford, the medical director of the pediatric unit at UPMC Children's Hospital of Central Pennsylvania, said in addition to being a potential choking hazard, they can poison anyone who ingests them.
According to ChildrenHealth, swallowing the batteries can cause life-threatening chemical burns to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, fractures, bleeding and death.
To reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, avoid toys with these buttons.
If they contain it, make sure it is properly secured.
Magnets
Magnets can potentially pose the same risk as batteries because they reassemble small candies and children often accidentally swallow them.
According to CPSC, if swallowed, the magnets can attract each other or another metal object and become lodged in the digestive system.
This can result in perforations, twisting and possibly blockage of the intestines, infections, blood poisoning and death.
It is not recommended to keep magnets in a household with children.
Small magnets, such as those on the back of refrigerator magnets, can be fatal if swallowed
E-scooters and hoverboards
Motorized scooters and hoverboards may seem like fun toys for kids, but according to emergency room doctors, they were also incredibly dangerous.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reported an increase in injuries among children hospitalized for e-scooter injuries between 2011 and 2020.
They pointed out that non-motorized scooters already pose a risk to children, while a motor only increases the threat.
The CPSC encourages everyone to be aware of recalls and always wear a helmet.
However, it is not recommended that children under the age of 16 ride electronic scooters or hoverboards.
Motorized scooters and hoverboards (pictured) may seem like fun toys for kids, but emergency room doctors say they were also incredibly dangerous
Toys with loose or small parts
Emergency room pediatricians recommend not buying toys with small parts or things that could break off because children could accidentally swallow them and choke on them.
Dr. Sarah Ash Combs, a pediatric emergency room physician at Children's National Hospital, said Today Do not give toys as gifts that contain, for example, building sets, marbles, doll accessories or toys that can be taken apart.
“One thing I say to parents is that you should never give (a child) three years old or younger anything that is smaller or fits through a toilet roll (tube),” Safford added.
Trampolines
Trampolines are a popular toy for children, but there are some serious risks associated with jumping up and down.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic SurgeonsMore than 90 percent of trampoline injuries occur in children, usually between the ages of five and fourteen.
Trampolines are popular toys for children, but there are some serious risks associated with them
They added that more than 75 percent of injuries occur when two or more children jump on the trampoline at the same time.
Common causes of trampoline injuries happen while attempting tricks such as somersaults or somersaults.
They also noted that landing incorrectly can lead to head and neck injuries.
Be careful with cheap versions of toys
According to the CPSC, all toys intended for use by children 12 years and younger must be tested and certified by a third party to meet the federal toy safety standard ASTM F963-17.
This means the toy has been tested for toxic chemicals, heavy metals, electrical safety, small parts, flammability and more.