Experts Weigh In On Presents To Avoid For Children This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, parents and loved ones are eager to select the perfect presents for children. However, it is crucial to consider the impact of these gifts on the child’s well-being. Choosing the right presents can foster their growth, development, and happiness, while avoiding certain gifts can prevent potential harm.

Medical experts are not trying to be a Grinch as they work to keep kids safe this holiday season by providing details on which products cause the most harm to children in emergency departments post holiday season and what you should avoid when gifting children their holiday surprise.

These are the five presents for kids that Martin recommends avoiding.

Toys that are powered by button batteries

The National Capital Poison Center states that button batteries typically measure between 20 millimeters in diameter, which is roughly the size of a penny or a nickel. These tiny batteries can be found in a broad range of products, such as hearing aids, key fobs, and even toys for children.

Most of the harm caused by button batteries is due to ingestion, noting that the screws usually used to maintain the batteries in place can easily become loose.

Button batteries often do not reach the stomach after being swallowed. Rather, they can get stuck in either the esophagus or the airway and can cause severe burns and tissue damage.

The damage to esophageal and thoracic tissue puts kids in danger of having injuries to their blood vessels and problems with their airways. Such occurrences can be hazardous, even potentially fatal.

Doctors suggest if a parent is worried their child has ingested a button battery, they should immediately call 911 and, for kids over the age of twelve months, give them honey prior to the arrival of emergency services. By giving tiny tastings of honey, every couple of minutes, while en route to the hospital, it can reduce the risk of burns and tissue injury, and even be a life-saving measure.

Young children may also put small button batteries in their ears or nose. This is in additional concern as battery-induced tissue damage and tissue breakdown can result in injuries in the same areas.

Toys that have water beads

Water beads have become increasingly popular and are usually advertised as a “sensory toy”, however the potential dangers associated with them are quite serious.

The polymers, if consumed, increase in size and can lead to conditions like intestinal obstructions and punctures. If ingested into a small child’s airway, can create a choking hazard.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a recall for the Water Wow! Activity Books, citing potential choking hazards.

Electric Scooters

Medical experts main concert with electric scooters and other electric wheeled vehicles is the speed they can potentially reach.

While scooters can reach a high speed quickly, if the child hit an uneven surface while riding, they can be easily thrown off, which can increase the risk of hitting the pavement or sidewalk with your face.

Electric scooter accidents commonly result in head trauma, facial wounds, and forearm fractures. Emergency rooms across the country see considerable amount of danger associated with electric scooters.

An alternate suggestion is to provide child-operated scooters, ones that are not powered by either electricity or motors. These types of scooters offer a great benefit to the growing child such as great physical activity, as well as aiding in the development of fine and gross motor skills, strength, and endurance.

A reminder it is always suggested that helmets be worn by kids when they are on scooters and bikes.

Hoverboards

The invention of hoverboards has enabled people to experience the thrill of hovering above the ground. This revolutionary invention has become a popular gift request.

Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, poses a high risk of sending children to the ER resulting in injuries such as fractures of the forearm and elbow, in addition to head trauma and ankle and knee injuries. There have also been numerous reports of hoverboards batteries causing fires and electrical problems.

Trampolines

A trampoline is a fun and exhilarating activity that also provides exercise.

However, if you were to ask ER doctors, most would tell you that trampolines are the most hazardous toys resulting in injuries for kids. Pediatric ER report that they see patients hurt from trampolines many times a week resulting in injuries to legs, arms, elbows, head, back and neck injuries.

Even though it is a popular gift item listed on many children’s holiday list, adults should proceed with caution and really understand the danger that lurks in your backyard with adding a trampoline under the Christmas tree this year.  Even with insuring the trampoline is a good brand, the safety attachments are in place, the trampoline can cause many injuries that can be serious.

Tips for choosing the right presents for children

When choosing presents for children, it is important to consider their individual interests, preferences, and developmental stage. Here are some tips to guide you in making thoughtful choices:

1. Consider their age and developmental stage: Ensure that the gift is suitable for their age and abilities. Look for toys that align with their cognitive and physical development.
2. Take their interests into account: Consider their hobbies, passions, and interests when selecting a gift. This personalization adds a special touch and shows that you value their individuality.
3. Prioritize quality over quantity: Instead of buying numerous inexpensive toys, invest in high-quality items that will last longer and provide more value. Quality toys are more likely to engage children and foster their development.
4. Read reviews and seek recommendations: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other parents or seek recommendations from trusted sources. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

As Christmas quickly approaches, it is important to consider the impact of the presents we choose for children. By avoiding common gifts that may pose safety risks, we can create a positive and enriching environment for our little ones. Let us make this holiday season a time of thoughtful and purposeful gift-giving for the children in our lives.