Safety Tips For Dangerous Kids’ Christmas Gifts

Holiday celebrations will soon be in full effect. As a parent, my objective this year is to minimize the stress that comes with the holiday season while fully embracing what this time of year has to offer. This means I’ll be finalizing my family’s Christmas list sooner rather than later, allowing us to concentrate more on our cherished family traditions as the season unfolds. As someone who likes to think of myself as “Santa’s little helper,” assessing whether a gift is safe for my child is a crucial step in trimming down a lengthy wishlist. A fellow parent and pediatrician agrees with this approach. Dr. Meghan Elizabeth Beach Martin, a mother of four, is sharing some important safety advisories as we approach Christmas, with her viral video highlighting risky toys that could lead to emergency room visits gaining traction online for the second consecutive year.

The warnings regarding toy safety should definitely be taken into account when considering gifts this year. The items that made her list are drawn from the common injuries she encounters in her emergency room. The video, which has amassed over 4 million views and numerous comments across platforms like Facebook and TikTok, serves as a timely reminder just before you dive into your holiday shopping. It’s a great opportunity to double-check whether any of the gifts on your child’s list might pose a safety threat that needs consideration before purchasing.

1. Toys with a Button Battery

Dr. Martin warns parents to steer clear of “anything with a button battery”—the small, coin-shaped batteries found in many toys. It’s astonishing how many toddler toys require these batteries, and TikTok user @amaosmon expressed a similar concern, commenting, “I really wish they’d start limiting button batteries to tiny toys. why does the 15″ pony not use regular batteries?”

Dr. Martin highlights that some toys feature compartments that are held closed with flimsy screws, making it easy for the batteries to dislodge. Numerous parents shared their own sentiments, such as @jeannemariefam, who remarked, “I refuse to buy anything with button batteries.” The danger of button batteries lies in their potential to be swallowed; if ingested, the chemical reaction with saliva can lead to serious internal burns in the esophagus, necessitating immediate medical attention.

2. Toys with Water Beads

Next on the pediatrician’s caution list are toys that contain water beads. Dr. Martin notes that while these sensory toys are popular, they pose risks not only to children but also to pets. She advises, “Don’t mess with these,” explaining that if ingested, the beads can expand and lead to bowel obstructions. The Poison Control website adds that “these beads can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages if swallowed.”

3. Electric Scooters

Another items Dr. Martin cautions against is electric scooters. She explains, “Kids get going way too fast on these. They hit a bump—they go flying. They mess up their faces, their arms, their heads. It’s bad news bears.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 16 avoid riding electric scooters due to the elevated risk of significant injuries. TikTok user @chrislawrence85 emphasized the need for supervision while using electric scooters, suggesting that they can still be suitable for older teens. One parent, @lazyminna, mentioned her strategy for safety by ensuring that the “max speed is below 2 mph. I think this model is safe.”

4. Hoverboards

For those grappling with whether to keep or return hoverboards, you might relate to @angiehenry32, who commented, “This just took my anxiety level to 100. I just purchased 6 hoverboards for my 6 boys.” However, she reassured herself by also buying safety gear. Besides Dr. Martin’s warning about hoverboards leading to broken arms and elbows, she highlighted the fire hazards associated with them. If the lithium-ion battery becomes damaged, it has the potential to overheat and ignite. While it’s wise to remain vigilant, it doesn’t necessarily compel you to return any hoverboards already collected, as TikTok user @amberspringston noted, “Me a parent who just ordered her child a hover board.”

The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) has put forth a safety alert regarding hoverboards, advising precautions to mitigate fire risks, such as utilizing only the original charger and avoiding unattended charging.

5. Trampolines

Topping the safety concerns list are trampolines. Dr. Martin insists this should come as no surprise. She strongly dislikes trampolines, asserting that they are frequent sources of injuries that keep emergency departments and orthopedic teams bustling. Most injuries tend to occur while children are using the trampoline, not due to improper setup like failing to stake down or secure nets. Dr. Martin also warned that “Homeowner’s insurance also hates trampolines,” cautioning that it could lead to the loss of coverage.

Parents weighed in on how their insurance companies handled the inclusion of trampolines. TikTok user @vickinh77 shared, “Our homeowners insurance gave us $800.00 to remove our trampoline. Even came to take pictures before and after.” If your insurance has instructed you to conceal your trampoline, as indicated by @alexaperll, you might want to reconsider. She remarked, “Ours just told us to move it over for the pictures then we could put it back.” Another user, @misslcr, advised, “Check out your declarations pages; not disclosing it may void your coverage.”

Should I Avoid These Items Altogether?

After reviewing these important points, you may be wondering whether to steer completely clear of these items.mixed emotions. It might be disheartening to think that your promise of a trampoline from “Santa” could take a turn. So, should you completely rule out gifts with button batteries? Is it best to steer clear of hoverboards altogether? Not necessarily.

When contemplating toys that feature button batteries or water beads, assessing your child’s age and their understanding of potential dangers can aid in your decision-making. Are they aware that these items should not be swallowed? Moreover, are younger siblings or pets in the mix, posing additional risks?

For electric scooters, hoverboards, and trampolines, it’s crucial to ensure that your kids are at the right age to use them safely. Educating them about safety guidelines and the risks associated with not adhering to them will promote responsible usage of these products. Providing safety gear, such as helmets and pads, can also help mitigate the chances of injury.