A Toy Story

by Dr. Michael G. Anderson

December means holidays, family, food, and fun.  For my children, fun is the toys.  Children just love to play with toys.  I have the happy task of ensuring that all the holiday toys are safe and appropriate.

Since I'm a doctor not a toy expert, I use the labels to understand the right toy for the age.  Next, think big — that is, big size toys.  Toys and parts must be larger than your child's mouth to prevent choking.  If you have both older and younger ones, worry about the small parts of your older kids' toys.  Usually for tiny toys, a child should be at least five years or older.  Always avoid toys that shoot small sharp objects through the air, as you risk spending your holiday in the ER.

Be especially careful when buying baby crib toys.  Strings or wires cannot hang in a crib within baby's reach.  They pose a very dangerous strangulation hazard.  Totally remove all mobiles by four months old.

The toy chest is the worst minor injury culprit.  If it has a lid, make sure it has locking support hinges and can stay open in any position.  The lid or hinges can cause great pain to your or your child's fingers!  Believe it or not, the chest needs to have ventilation holes to prevent suffocation if your child hides in it and is trapped.  The safest, easiest, and cheapest toy chest is a plastic laundry basket.

My toy list is adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics publication.

Newborn to one-year-olds:  You don't have to break the bank to satisfy this group.  The wrapping paper often is more enjoyed than the toy.  Bright toys appeal to your baby's sight, but remember it will go in the mouth!  Avoid toys that can be swallowed. 

Two to five year-old preschoolers:  These toys need to withstand a toddler's destructive nature without becoming a hazard.  This would include board books with large pictures, sturdy dolls, nesting blocks, push and pull toys (no strings) and toy cell phones (no cords).  Injury and choking are the risks for this age.  From my perspective as a dad, and a pediatrician, books are the ideal gift.  Books are always educational and entertaining. They create good habits, and they're a much better gift than the plastic stuff for several reasons.  Finally, add a little extra to your gift.  Write something personal in it which will always be more important to them than a misfit toy at the bottom of the toy box.

Michael G. Anderson, MD, FAAP is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and the Director of Northside Children’s Pediatric Center in Canton.  You can reach him at (770) 720-6963.