Protecting Your Kids: Essential Safety Tips for Choosing Christmas Gifts This Year

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many parents—including myself—it’s the perfect time to create joyful memories while keeping the stress of the festivities at bay. This year, I’ve made it a priority to finalize my family’s Christmas wish list early. By getting this task out of the way, I can truly focus on our beloved family traditions and the warmth that comes with this time of year. As someone who often considers myself “Santa’s little helper,” ensuring the safety of the gifts I buy for my children is at the top of my to-do list. Thankfully, I’m not alone in this pursuit. Dr. Meghan Elizabeth Beach Martin, a pediatrician and mother of four, shares this sentiment and has some vital safety warnings for the holidays. Her recent viral video, which highlights potentially dangerous toys that could result in emergency room visits, has resonated with many parents online, garnering over 4 million views.

As we dive into the flurry of holiday shopping, it’s crucial to heed these warnings. Dr. Martin’s list is rooted in her firsthand experience treating children in the emergency room for toy-related injuries. This video serves as a timely reminder, urging parents like us to double-check the safety of our children’s wish lists before handing over those shopping carts.

The first item Dr. Martin highlights is toys with button batteries. These tiny, coin-shaped power sources are surprisingly common in toddler toys, and they can pose a significant risk. I can’t help but agree with TikTok user @amaosmon who voiced the frustration many parents feel: “Why do we have to deal with button batteries in everything? Isn’t there a better solution?”

Dr. Martin explains that many toys with these batteries have compartments that are secured with flimsy screws, making it all too easy for the batteries to dislodge. The risk? If swallowed, button batteries can cause severe internal damage due to a chemical reaction with saliva, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Many fellow parents echoed Dr. Martin’s caution, with @jeannemariefam stating, “I refuse to buy anything with button batteries.” With all of this information in mind, it’s clear that when it comes to toy safety, we need to be vigilant.

Next, we have those trendy toys with water beads. While they seem harmless and are often marketed as sensory play options, Dr. Martin warns that they can be treacherous. Both children and pets are at risk if these beads are ingested. As she puts it succinctly, “Don’t mess with these.” If swallowed, water beads can expand inside the body, leading to severe bowel obstructions, which may require emergency medical intervention. The Poison Control website adds weight to this warning by stating that these beads can indeed cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. As parents, we must weigh our options wisely before adding these to any holiday shopping cart.

Moving on, let’s discuss electric scooters. It’s easy to see why they might be on many kids’ wish lists—they look fun and exciting! However, Dr. Martin cautions that the speed they can reach may be too much for young riders. “Kids get going way too fast on these,” she warns, explaining how a sudden bump can lead to serious injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children under 16 avoid them altogether, given the increased chance of accidents. TikTok user @chrislawrence85 aptly noted that supervision is crucial while riding electric scooters, as older teens can benefit from their use if monitored properly.

Then, there are hoverboards. If you’re like @angiehenry32, who was double-checking the safety of her boys’ recent hoverboard gifts, you’re not alone. Many parents share your anxiety, and it’s completely valid. Dr. Martin not only cautions against the injuries that hoverboards can cause—such as broken arms and serious falls—but also highlights fire hazards linked to their lithium-ion batteries. Too many parents out there are grappling with whether to keep their children’s hoverboards after hearing about these risks, but as @amberspringston said, one can still enjoy them while being mindful of safety.

Of course, let’s not forget about trampolines—the holiday gift that can spark joy but also safety concerns. Dr. Martin is very vocal about her disdain for trampolines, noting that they are infamous for causing injuries that land kids in the emergency room. Most accidents aren’t from improper installation; they happen when kids are bouncing around on them. Additionally, some homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover trampolines or could raise your rates if you have one, so it’s wise to check with your provider. If you’re in a situation where your insurer suggested removing your trampoline, as TikTok user @vickinh77 shared, it might be time to consider your next steps, as there are repercussions to think about.

At this point, you may be left wondering whether to completely avoid these items altogether. The thought of disappointing your child with last-minute gift changes can be tough. It’s understandable to feel mixed emotions about fun gifts that might have a dark side. The good news is that it isn’t always necessary to eliminate these items from your holiday shopping list altogether.

When it comes to toys that include button batteries or water beads, consider your child’s age and their ability to understand safety precautions. Are they mature enough to know that these toys shouldn’t be swallowed, and do they have younger siblings or pets at home that may be at risk? For larger items like electric scooters and trampolines, ensure that children are old enough to use them safely and that you educate them about the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. Providing proper safety gear—like helmets and pads—can also significantly reduce the chances of injury.

Navigating the holidays as a parent can feel overwhelming, but by prioritizing safety alongside joy, we can create wonderful celebrations while keeping our loved ones safe and sound. So let’s get through this holiday season together—full of memories, love, and safety!