Selecting safe gift options for children during the holidays

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- While you are out shopping for any child this holiday season, remember to keep their safety in mind. Oftentimes kids will want the most popular toy, something they see other kids with, or hear other kids talking about, but are those toys actually safe?

When buying toys for children, look to see if the toys have small parts, marbles, button batteries, or anything that can be a choking hazard. Some toys require supervision, but it is always important to look at warnings, inspect safety standards, and make sure the toy is age-appropriate.

Registered Nurse at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Sherri Hannan, says “If you have children of multiple ages in your home, if it is age appropriate for an older child, have those things stored in separate play areas, or maybe have rules in place that you can only play with these things in your room and stay in your room, so a younger child doesn’t gain access to those things.”

Health care professionals recommend toys such as large puzzles, blocks, a busy board, books, card games, jump ropes, or balls. It’s always nice to give kids the gifts they want, but be aware of safety standards and warnings while shopping will keep your kids safe.