As the holiday shopping season begins, Yale New Haven Health has joined the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection in urging families to stay vigilant about hazardous children’s products.
“The holidays should be filled with excitement, not emergency room visits,” according to Dr. James Dodington, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital. “Most toys are safe when used as directed, but with the rise of counterfeit items online and a flood of seasonal products, it’s crucial for parents to slow down and assess what they’re buying.”
Counterfeit toys purchased from online third-party sellers remain a particular concern, he said, as they may lack required “safety testing, proper labeling or quality materials.”
“Legitimate toy packaging will always include age recommendations, warnings and clear instructions,” according to Dr. Lawrence Siew, medical director of the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
“If you don’t see these details or if the packaging looks inconsistent or poorly printed, treat it as a red flag. Counterfeit toys often don’t have essential safety features that protect children.”
Clinicians said families should be mindful of how well a toy matches a child’s developmental readiness, not just their chronological age.
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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s most recent Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report, there were 10 deaths, and an estimated 154,700 emergency department-treated injuries in 2023 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger.
“Even within the same age group, children grow and learn at very different rates,” said Dr. Magna Dias, chair of pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital. “A toy that’s too advanced can frustrate a child or lead to unsafe use, while a toy that’s too simple may not engage them. Choosing toys that fit a child’s abilities supports both safety and healthy development.”
In addition to hazards like sharp edges, detachable pieces or missing safety labels, clinicians are also urging parents to pay attention to sound levels of electronic toys. Pediatric ear, nose and throat specialists warn that some toys can emit noise at volumes high enough to damage a child’s hearing over time.
“A surprising number of musical or electronic toys can exceed safe decibel limits, especially when held close to a child’s ear or if for an extended period of time,” according to Sam Schild, a pediatric otolaryngologist at YNHCH. “One option is to test toys in-store when possible and remember that if a toy seems loud to an adult, it’s almost certainly too loud for a young child.”
Toys should have secure, screw-closed battery compartments, and parents should keep loose batteries out of reach. They should seek immediate medical attention if a battery is swallowed. Pediatric specialists from YNHCH are available in New Haven and at Bridgeport and Greenwich hospitals, a hospital spokesperson said.
Experts add that if you’re giving a scooter, skateboard or bicycle, a properly fitted helmet should be part of the gift. Parents should also inspect toys with edges, seams or moving parts to ensure they don’t pose cut or pinch hazards, a hospital spokeswoman said. Young children should never receive toys with long cords or straps that could pose a strangulation risk, experts said. Small or detachable pieces remain a significant choking hazard, particularly for children under age three, they said.
Non-motorized scooters accounted for one in every five toy-related injuries to children younger than 15 years old, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“With the holidays here already, we know many parents will be finishing up their holiday shopping,” DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said in a statement. “Taking the time to make sure your gifts for kids are safe will ensure a happy holiday season. Lesser-known or off-brand toys sold through small or online retailers are more likely to be mislabeled.”
He said a quick way to test for choking hazards is to use the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. If a toy or part can fit inside that tube, it’s a risk for small children who put everything in their mouths.
“Simple steps like this can make a major difference in keeping families safe,” he said.
More safety tips include:
- Choose toys that are age-appropriate by checking label recommendations and knowing the child.
Ensure fabrics are labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. - Verify that any painted toy uses lead-free paint.
- Watch for choking hazards in households with children under three.
- Check for strangulation risks from straps, cords or strings.
- Avoid toys containing button batteries or small magnets, which can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed.
- Test electronic toys for safe sound levels and avoid items that seem excessively loud.
- Match toys to a child’s developmental stage and abilities, not just their age.
If you come across an unsafe toy, consumers can file a product 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.