Children’s health: How safe is that holiday gift for your kids?
For many families, gift giving is one of the joys of the holiday season. Few things compare to the delight of watching a child open a new toy.
Unfortunately, not all toys on the market are as safe as they appear. Even popular and well-reviewed toys can pose serious safety risks, including choking or ingestion hazards that may lead to intestinal blockages, bowel perforation, or other life-threatening complications.
As a pediatric gastroenterologist, I’d like to share a few key points to help families make safer toy choices this holiday season.
• Check the age label — and take it seriously. The age recommendation on toy packaging isn’t just about developmental suitability; it’s also a safety warning. Toys labeled for older children often contain small parts that can pose choking or ingestion risks to toddlers and infants.
• Inspect toys carefully before purchasing. Look for small or detachable pieces, magnets, or accessories that could come loose. Young children often explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and even a small part can lead to choking or intestinal injury. Talk with your child about not putting non-food items in their mouth. Even older children can benefit from a reminder.
• Be cautious with batteries. Pay close attention to whether a toy uses batteries, especially lithium coin or “button” batteries. These small, round batteries are about the size of a child’s esophagus and can easily become lodged if swallowed. Once ingested, they can cause rapid and severe burns to surrounding tissue due to an electrical and chemical reaction. If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, seek emergency medical care immediately, as this is a true medical emergency.
• Avoid certain high-risk items. Steer clear of water beads, magnets, and marbles for young children. While these may be popular, they can expand or attract each other once swallowed, leading to blockages, perforations, and other serious internal injuries. Before purchasing any toy, take a moment to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, cpsc.gov/, for recent recalls or safety warnings.
• Know what to do if ingestion occurs. If you believe your child has swallowed a toy, battery, or small part, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately. Bring a picture of the item or a similar object to help medical staff identify it quickly. Even after discharge, continue monitoring your child for fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, appetite changes or unusual stools, as all could signal a developing problem. When in doubt, return for medical evaluation.
By keeping these precautions in mind, you can help ensure your family enjoys a fun, safe, and healthy holiday season.
• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Dr. Samuel Leung, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital.