Published: November 25, 2009 01:43 pm      

Safe & Sound reminds parents to beware of toy dangers this holiday season

CHATTANOOGA —�With more than 65 percent of the toys bought in the United States between the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas, parents and caregivers are heading into the country’s busiest toy-buying season. During this holiday season, Safe & Sound, an injury prevention service of T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, reminds parents to do their homework before hitting the toy stores.

Each year, approximately 173,000 toy-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms nationwide. Furthermore, 19 toy-related deaths occurred in 2008. “Shoppers need to be even more informed than usual to make certain they buy safe, age-appropriate toys,” explained Cindy Jackson, Safe & Sound program lead. “Even though most toys on the shelves are considered safe, it doesn’t mean parents shouldn’t take an active role in keeping their kids protected from possible hazards.”

So far this year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has had 38 total toy recalls, which is a decline from 162 recalls last year. CPSC attributes this decrease to enforcement at the ports, cooperation with other nations, consumer awareness and education and compliance by the industry with new federal safety rules.

During a recent press conference at Learning Express of Chattanooga, Safe & Sound demonstrated the importance of selecting age appropriate toys. “Before shopping for toys this season, consider the child’s age, interest and skill level,” announced Mrs. Jackson. “Not only is it important to purchase safe toys, parents should also supervise children when they play and set good examples of safe play.”

Non-motorized scooters and other riding toys such as skateboards, bicycles, ATV’s, mini-motorcycles and other electric riding toys tend to be popular purchases during this time of year and are citied as some of the most dangerous