Doctors and parenting experts have revealed some of the most dangerous toys to give to children this year – as well as what parents and caregivers need to be aware of this holiday season.
When it comes to kids’ toys, there are many small pieces that could pose a risk, especially when it comes to magnetic building or water-absorbent toys and beads.
These small pieces are something to be incredibly aware of, as they can pose a serious safety threat, according to Dr. Allison Mell, pediatric physical therapist and founder of Tots On Target.
‘These tiny beads can grow up to 100 times their size when wet, and the CPSC has documented thousands of injuries and even a baby’s death after ingestion,’ Dr. Mell told Daily Mail about water-absorbent toys.
‘They can expand inside the intestines and cause dangerous blockages that sometimes do not show up on X-rays,’ she continued.
‘These toys are especially dangerous for crawling babies and young toddlers who explore by picking up any tiny object they see and putting it straight into their mouths.’
Dr. Mell shared a similar warning for magnetic toys.
‘Crayola Pip-Cubes were recently recalled because small magnets could detach, and high powered magnets can cause life threatening internal injuries if more than one is swallowed, since they can snap together through intestinal walls,’ she said.
‘Just like water beads, loose magnets are extremely hazardous for babies and toddlers on the floor who mouth every object they find.’
Slime kits that contain small beads can also pose a problem, according to Emily Greenberg, Co-Founder, President and Parenting Coach at Joy Parenting Club.
‘Be careful with unverified or off-brand toys too, since they might contain harmful materials or be poorly made,’ Greenberg shared with Daily Mail.
‘Sticking to trusted brands and checking labels is a smart way to keep little ones safe,’ she said.
Another hazard to be on the lookout for are real baking ovens marketed towards children, Greenberg said.
‘While fun, [they] can get very hot and may burn curious little hands if children touch the heating element or tray,’ she said.
And the threat doesn’t stop at a certain age, either.
Toys like remote control cars can be of concern for teenagers, too.
‘Remote control cars are typically seen as fun and safe, but some have tiny wheels, antennae, or pieces that can break off during play,’ Greenberg said.
‘For toddlers and young kids, these small parts can be easily swallowed, creating a serious choking risk,’ she continued.
‘Even older kids can get hurt if broken pieces have sharp edges. To stay safe, parents should examine toys before giving them, supervise play, and avoid giving cars with removable parts to little ones.’
Similarly, while gifting electric scooters and bikes to older children may seem like a fun idea, it could end up being a detrimental mistake.
According to a recent study by the University of California San Francisco, e-bike injuries doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45 percent each year.
‘For older kids, electric scooters and e-bikes are extremely popular, but they cause a high number of fractures and head injuries because of their speed,’ Dr. Mell explained.
‘Research shows that e-bike related injuries in children often involve serious trauma, and regular bike helmets are not rated for the higher impact forces these devices create,’ she said.
At the end of the day, Dr. Mell pointed out that all of these gifts have one thing in common – objects that kids can’t save or defend themselves from.
‘They introduce risks that children cannot protect themselves from, whether that is swallowing something that expands, ingesting magnets, or riding devices that move faster than their reflexes and safety gear can safely handle,’ Dr. Mell said.
‘Parents should always check age recommendations and consider how young children explore their world through touch and mouthing.’
