Careful Giving for the Holidays

As the packed-to-the-ceiling shelves at your local toy store beckon you with promises of exciting play for your child, keep safety top of mind as you shop this holiday season.

"The excitement of a new toy can turn tragic if adults do not factor safety into their gift-giving traditions," says Jan Stegelman of the Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition. "Parents should consider whether the toy is appropriate for the child's age and whether the gift requires accessories such as special protective gear."

The Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition recommends the following suggestions when selecting gifts for your child this holiday season:

SELECT SAFE TOYS
In 1995, more than 120,000 toy-related injuries were sustained by children ages 14 and under. Innocent-looking toys -- such as marbles and balloons -- present a choking hazard to small children. Other hazards include toys with small parts, sharp points and edges, toxic paint, flammable materials, and long strings that can be a strangulation risk. The Child Safety Protection Act, a federal toy labeling law, requires manufacturers to place warning labels on toys that pose a choking hazard to young children. When selecting a toy for your child, avoid the following:

• Toys with small removable parts. The small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a choke tube (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.

• Toys with sharp points or edges. A child may unintentionally stab him- or herself or another person.

• Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns and high-volume portable cassette recorders can permanently impair a child's hearing.

• Propelled toy darts and other projectiles. Propelled toys can result in cuts or injuries to the eye.

• Toys with strings, straps, or cords longer than seven inches. Long strings and cords could wrap around a child's neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.

• Electrical toys. Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard to children. Avoid toys with a heating element -- batteries, electrical plugs, -- for children under age 8.

• Toys painted with lead paint. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a child's brain, kidneys, and nervous system.

• Toy cap guns. Paper roll, strip, or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.

FOLLOW AGE RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SELECTING TOYS
Many toy-related injuries occur when parents overestimate their child's ability to handle a toy designed for an older age group. Age recommendations for toys not only take into account a child's cognitive abilities, but they also consider the overall safety of a toy.

The Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition recommends using the following guidelines for age-appropriate toys:

• Infants under age 1: In the first few months of their lives, children are immobile. Eventually, they learn to reach, roll over and sit up. In the second six months, children become more mobile and are at an increased risk for suffocation. The most suitable toys for the first year include activity quilts, stuffed animals without button noses and eyes, bath toys, soft dolls, baby swings and squeaky toys.

• Children ages 1 to 3: At this age, children are curious and have little sense of danger. They like to climb, jump, throw, and play rough and tumble games. The best toys for this age group are books, blocks, fit-together toys, balls, push and pull toys, pounding toys, and shape toys.

• Children ages 3 to 5: As any parent of a preschooler can tell you, these children "think with their feet" and spend much of their time running. They like tests of physical strength and begin to develop skills such as riding a tricycle, finger control, and the ability to build with large blocks and construction materials. Toys that are most suitable for this age group include approved nontoxic art supplies, books, videos, musical instruments and outdoor toys such as a baseball tee stand, slide, or swing.

• Children ages 5 to 9: It is in the early part of this age group that children become creative and more physically active. They can write, make arts and crafts, and are able to use simple mechanical toys such as cars and trains. Recommended toys include craft materials, jump ropes, puppets, electric trains (after age 8) and sports equipment. Check tape recorders and battery-operated toys regularly for loose or exposed wires. Don't allow children to change batteries.

• Children ages 9 to 14: At this age, children enjoy team sports and games that require increased dexterity such as pick-up sticks, marbles, and jacks. Strenuous physical activity is also popular for this age group. Children begin to develop hobbies and a strong interest in scientific activities. For these children, appropriate gifts include computers, microscopes, table and board games and equipment used in outdoor sports.

REMEMBER, A GIFT IS NOT COMPLETE UNLESS THE PROPER PROTECTIVE GEAR IS INCLUDED
Bicycles, in-line skates, skateboards and sleds are also popular gifts for the holidays; however, without the proper protective gear or skills, injury and even death can occur. In 1995, more than 250 children were killed in bicycle-related incidents. In 1996, more than 58,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for in-line skating-related injuries, more than 16,000 were treated for skateboarding-related injuries and more than 18,000 were treated for sledding-related injuries.

The Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition recommends the following tips when buying bicycles, skates, skateboards or sleds this holiday season:

Include a helmet as part of the gift when the present is a bicycle, a tricycle, in-line skates, roller blades or a skateboard. A bicycle helmet is a necessity, not an accessory. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. Make sure the bicycle helmet meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or a federal standard.

Buy retro-reflective clothing, stickers or bike reflectors for an older child who will be riding or skating in non-daylight hours (e.g., at dawn, dusk or night). Reflectors on the pedals and wheels also increase a child's visibility.

Give a horn or bell as a stocking stuffer. A horn or bell is essential for bicyclists to warn motorists and pedestrians of their presence.

Include elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads when giving a child in-line skates, roller skates or a skateboard.

Give in-line skating lessons, from a professional instructor or a community recreation center. A class will provide instruction on how to properly skate and on proper skating etiquette.

Buy a sled that is constructed sturdily and safely. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.

The Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit group of 60 statewide organizations and businesses that have joined to protect Kansas children from unintentional injury -- the leading killer of Kansas kids. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Wichita, Lawrence, Salina, Barber County, Topeka, Ford County, Manhattan, Pottawotomie County, and Clay County. Kansas SAFE KIDS is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.

For more information, call Jan Stegelman at (785) 296-1223.

Parents and caregivers can get a copy of the Play Smart Guide to Toy Safety by writing to: Toy Guide, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20004