Keep your children safe this holiday season

By KELLY RILEY

Charlotte Regional Medical Center

It's that time of year again; holiday gift giving is upon us, and if you have a baby or toddler on your shopping list, toy safety should be your highest priority. December is Safe Toys and Gifts month, and Charlotte Regional Medical Center's Senior Extra program is sharing some tips to ensure that the gifts you purchase for the kids in your life are safe.

•Step one: Determine whether or not a toy is age appropriate.

This guideline can go a long way in keeping children safe. Thanks to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, most toys are clearly labeled for age appropriateness. Don't be tempted to buy a toy for a child younger than the labeling recommends, as the designation is determined by safety factors -- not the intelligence or maturity of the child. For example, tiny pieces are choking hazards, and therefore, each toy is labeled for a specific reason.

•Step Two: Research toy safety online first.

Researching toy safety online before you head to the store will save you time and effort. SafeKids.org keeps an easily accessible list of recalled toys and items organized by month. To sign up for monthly email alerts on their website, visit www.SafeKids.org/our-work/recalls/2011.

•Step three: Be aware of proper safety equipment.

If you are planning to give an action-oriented gift, make sure to be aware of the following recommended safety measures:

•Helmets are a must for bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and scooters. Knee pads and wrist guards are also recommended.

•BB guns and pellet rifles should never be given to children under 16.

•Darts and arrows should have suction cups or soft tips.

Additionally, children should be taught never to point these types of toys directly at anyone or anything.

•Step four: Batteries battened down.

If a battery is punctured, swallowed or aged, it can leak harmful materials. Therefore, look for toys that have batteries safely secured in a locked battery compartment. Most toys these days come with a screw top lid and reduce risk of exposure.

Overall, supervising children during their play time is the best way to keep them safe. However, by following these guidelines, you will ensure that your gift at playtime will provide a safe and happy time by all.

Ever-changing advancements in healthcare allow us to live longer and improve our overall health.

Providing the latest information about health advancements through monthly seminars and events is just one facet of Senior Extra.

To sign up for a free membership, visit www.SeniorExtra.com.