From left, DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli; James Dodington, MD; and Magna Dias, MD.
New Haven, CT (November 21, 2024) – As we kick off the holiday shopping season, Yale New Haven Health and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection are highlighting the importance of safety when it comes to buying gifts for children. Experts are sharing with parents and caregivers what to look out for when it comes to counterfeit toys and what toys can pose a danger to children.
“The holidays are a time of joy. We don't want presents that can be safety hazards for children to dampen the festivities,” said James Dodington, MD, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital. “Many toys are safe when used in accordance with labels, but there are some things parents should look out for while they are shopping.”
Counterfeit toys from online third-party retailers can be especially dangerous. Experts say consider where you shop and examine the toy itself before handing it over to your child.
“Parents should look at age recommendations, warnings and instructions provided on toy packaging,” said Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital. “These guidelines are put in place to ensure safety. If a toy does not have these types of guidelines, it’s another red flag that this could be a counterfeit product.”
Experts say if you’re giving your child a scooter or bicycle for the holidays, make sure to buy a helmet to go along with it to limit the impact of falls. Toys with sharp edges can cause cuts and injuries, so parents should inspect those toys before allowing their children to play with them.
Many recommendations for parents are also age dependent. Young children should never be given a toy that could pose a strangulation hazard. It’s also important to make sure a toy with small or detachable parts doesn’t become a choking hazard, especially for children under the age of three.
“Off-brand toys sold online or through small retailers are the most likely to be labeled incorrectly, so it’s up to you to check for small parts that could be dangerous for children,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “One easy way to do this is to use the cardboard from a roll of toilet paper or paper towels. If a toy or part fits through the center, it can be swallowed by a child. Keep your home and family safe this holiday season by keeping small parts out of reach of small children and pets.”
Experts have some helpful tips while you’re shopping:
- Make sure the toy is age appropriate – look for the label recommendation and consider if it’s appropriate for your child
- Make sure fabrics are labeled flame resistant or flame retardant
- Verify all painted toys have lead-free paint
- Watch choking hazards for young children, especially under the age of three
- Watch for strangulation hazards on toys that have straps and strings
- Avoid toys with button batteries and magnets
Consumers can file a complaint by visiting ct.gov/DCP and following the directions to “File a Complaint.” You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.
Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS), the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut, is recognized for advanced clinical care, quality, service, cost effectiveness and commitment to improving the health status of the communities it serves. YNHHS includes five hospitals – Bridgeport, Greenwich, Lawrence + Memorial, Westerly and Yale New Haven hospitals, several specialty networks and Northeast Medical Group, a non-profit medical foundation with several hundred community-based and hospital-employed physicians. YNHHS is affiliated with Yale University and Yale Medicine, the clinical practice of the Yale School of Medicine and the largest academic multi-specialty practice in New England. Yale New Haven Hospital is the primary teaching hospital of Yale School of Medicine. www.ynhhs.org
