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Children love to receive gifts during the holiday season, but Dr. Joel Blumberg, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine says not every toy is right for every child.
“Kids enjoy playing with toys, but safety should always come first. Here are some tips to choose toys that are safe and appropriate.”
- Read labels to understand the toy's safe use and intended ages. Consider the amount of supervision needed and make sure the label says “nontoxic.”
- Watch for choking hazards. If your child is young, avoid toys with small parts, balloons, button batteries or magnets.
- Remember: toys that shoot objects into the air can result in eye injuries.
- And finally, choose toys suitable for your child’s developmental age.
“The best toys are those that, like reading, support warm, rich interactions, allowing children and parents to spend quality time together.”
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