Atrium Health Navicent shares tips for toy and gift safety

Medical Director for Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Care Downtown Macon, Dr. Edward Clark, says "The younger the kid, the bigger the toy needs to be."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is preparing for the holiday season and encouraging people to be cautious when purchasing presents for children.

Medical Director for Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Care Downtown Macon, Dr. Edward Clark, says “The younger the kid, the bigger the toy needs to be.”

Clark offers the following tips for shoppers:

Toy Check:

• Look for age-appropriate labels on toys. The toy should suit the age and individual skills and abilities of the child who will receive it, especially if the recipient is younger than 3 years old.

Safety Check:

• Make sure that toys are not too loud and will not cause hearing damage if the child holds it to their ear.
• Take note of safety warnings, information and labels.
• Avoid toys that shoot, have parts that fly off, have points or sharp edges.
• Choose sturdy toys that will not break easily.
• Choose crayons and markers that are designated “nontoxic.”
• Toys made with fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant. Plush toys should be washable.
• Include protective equipment with sporting equipment. For example, give a helmet and protective padding when gifting a bicycle or skates.
•  Toys with magnets and button batteries may cause serious injury or death if swallowed. Do not give gifts that contain these or any small parts to children younger than 3 years old.
• Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3, and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.
•  Avoid toys with ropes, cords and heating elements.

Trash Check:

• Once gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging before they become dangerous playthings.
•  Show your children how to use the toy safely, and always supervise children as they play.