Buying safe toys this holiday season

CHARLOTTE — Watching little ones play with their new toys is one of the best parts of the holiday season. But how do parents know which toys are safest and best for their development?

Dr. Darria Long is an emergency room physician. She’s also a mom who loves seeing her kids’ excitement over a new toy.

“It does make you feel good to say, okay, here’s a toy that they enjoy that will keep them occupied, that I know also kind of challenges them and I know also is safe,” Dr. Long says.

That safety – begins with checking labels for age and development recommendations.

ALSO: Holiday cocoa without worry

“Those age recommendations – 3+, 6+ – they’re based actually on government regulations and recommendations because of how many sharp corners a toy may have, balloon pieces or pieces that can break off, potential pieces that could be put into their mouths,” Dr. Long says.

She adds that toys made of fabric should be labeled ‘flame-resistant’ or ‘flame-retardant’. Stuffed toys should be washable and art materials should be nontoxic.

Dr. Long also says to avoid older painted toys that might contain lead and be very careful with button and lithium coin batteries.

“Button batteries are everywhere. They’re in remote control and many toys with lights,” Dr. Long says. “And if a child swallows one, it can become lodged in their esophagus where it can actually burn a hole through the tissue.”

And choking on ‘anything’ is a hazard for kids three and younger because they tend to put objects in their mouths.

“So, I call it the toilet paper roll rule. If anything – a toy or any item – is small enough to fit into that little cardboard roll of the toilet paper tube, then it is small enough that a young child could put it in their mouth, which means it could be a choking or swallowing hazard,” Dr. Long says.

Consumer Reports adds that activity mats are good for babies because they help with cognitive development.

For toddlers and preschoolers, CR says to look for toys that support motor development, like push walkers, stackable blocks, and beginner building sets. They all help to develop fine and gross motor skills.

VIDEO: Best vehicle brands for 2025