Safety first this holiday season

Holiday gift giving can be a rewarding, if sometimes stressful, experience for parents and other trusted adults in children’s lives. Children usually have clear opinions on what presents they hope to find under the tree. But what gift givers must consider first and foremost is children’s safety. 

As a mother, I find great joy in seeing my daughter’s eyes light up and that big grin spread across her sweet face when she’s opening a present. However, sometimes when it’s a gift someone else has given her, the worry sets in: Is the gift age-appropriate for her? Is it safe for her to play unsupervised with it? 

There are so many options to choose from in the toy department that sometimes you may not know where to begin when choosing safe and appropriate toys for the holiday season. 

I suggest starting by reading the box and checking the recommended age. Most toys include an “age appropriate” label letting purchasers know the toy’s intended age group. Only purchase toys that are age appropriate for your young ones.  

As a physician and a mother, I’m inspired by the innocence, joy and curiosity children bring to every interaction and new experience. That being said, it’s actually pretty common and natural for children to put things in their mouth — or nose and ears — that don’t belong. Giving a toy with small pieces designed for older children to younger ones could pose a choking hazard.  

After the presents have been opened, be mindful of things like small batteries or Lego pieces that younger children may have access to if older children leave their toys out. 

Always read the safety information, warnings and labels to determine if the toy is right for your child, especially if they are younger than 3 years old. 

Make sure toys, including crayons and markers, are labeled “non toxic” and that items like plastic packaging, gift bags and deflated balloons are removed promptly after the presents have been opened. 

If you’re giving children sporting equipment this holiday season, include the safety gear that goes along with it, such as helmets for bicycles and scooters, elbow and knee pads for skates, and pads and gloves for sports like football and baseball. 

If you make those items part of the whole holiday present, children will be safer and able to enjoy their gifts immediately, instead of waiting for another trip to the store.

Nobody wants to spend their holiday in an emergency room or urgent care office. A little extra care while shopping can reduce risk and keep the fun times rolling long after the presents are opened! 

Dr. Mansi Batra is an Atrium Health Levine Children’s pediatric specialist who sees  patients at Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Care in downtown Macon. She focuses  on preventive care, routine check-ups, developmental assessments, vaccinations and treatment for common pediatric illnesses and chronic conditions.