Toy-related injuries lead to 200,000 emergency room visits in 2023

As people begin their holiday shopping, experts say they need to make sure the gifts they buy are safe.

“We’ve seen over 200,000 emergency room trips associated with toys in the last year and, unfortunately, about 10 deaths,” says Alex Hoehn-Saric of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The agency says shoppers should make sure gifts are age-appropriate and check any labels on the packaging.

Experts say a big concern for children under three is anything that can cause them to choke or suffocate, including button batteries, small toy pieces and water beads.

“They are very easy to spill and get lost on the carpet. You won’t find them all, but your baby crawling on the floor will,” says Hoehn-Saric.

People who buy a bike or scooter should also buy a helmet.

Hoehn-Saric says if you’re buying online or buying through a third party, make sure you’re on a reputable site.

People are also advised to check whether any products they are buying or intending to buy have any recalls, especially if something is being bought second-hand.