Hidden Danger Under the Tree - Toys and Children’s Injuries

They are well-intentioned gifts, but danger may be lurking under your Christmas tree this year researchers say, after the most comprehensive toy safety study was released in the journal Pediatrics. Analyzing data from 22 years, one type of toy in particular leads the pack as the most dangerous, causing 3.2 million children to visit the ER from 1990 to 2011. Foot-powered scooters have been popular ride on toys for children, but especially in demand since one award-winning product, the Razor, was first introduced in 2000. However, not long after, researchers say the number children going to the ER with related injuries from these scooters also increased dramatically.

What is more alarming, the study found, was that scooters caused the overall rate of toy-related injuries to jump 40 percent over the study’s time period. Senior author of the study and director for the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Gary Smith said in a statement, “In fact, I will say that I’ve never seen anything like it in my career." He also suggests these findings may be underestimated, as children may also have been taken to urgent care centers or their pediatrician following related injuries. 77 percent of the injuries from scooters resulted from falls.

To help keep children safe, health care providers advise that all children riding scooters or other ride-on toys wear proper protective helmets and other protective gear when necessary, like kneepads, elbow pads or wrist guards. Additionally, parents should supervise children riding scooters, especially younger children.

Toy Hazard for Children 3 and Younger

Hidden danger is not only limited to scooters, but also to smaller toys for children ages 3 and younger, the study found. Choking is a main concern for this group of children, as many toys and toy parts are just the right size to fit into a child’s throat. Parents should always review the warning labels on toy packages and make sure they are getting something that is age appropriate for their child. For families with older, as well as younger children in the house, they need to be especially vigilant of younger children having access to older children’s toys. Click here for more information on toy safety for younger children.

Utica Park Clinic and Hillcrest HealthCare System have partnered with iTriage, a free app which allows you to research symptoms, find the nearest Emergency Department or Urgent Care Center and notify medical staff you are on the way. Text “iTriage” to 31996 or download from Google Play or iTunes.