CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the magic of toys. One of the highlights of the holiday season is seeing children’s happy faces and hearing their excited squeals as they open their presents. But as playtime begins, there’s one thing that matters just as much as fun: safety.
December is designated as National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a timely reminder for parents, guardians, and gift-givers to prioritize children’s safety when choosing toys and other gifts. While the holidays bring joy and excitement, they can also present hidden risks if toys are not age-appropriate, well-made, or properly supervised.
At Medicare Plus, we encourage families to enjoy the spirit of giving while making thoughtful gift choices. Choosing safe and age-appropriate toys not only protects children from injuries, but it also ensures that your Christmas celebrations remain uninterrupted. By staying informed and attentive, parents and gift-givers can help create a holiday season filled with fun, laughter, and a sense of peace of mind.
Children explore the world through play, but their curiosity can sometimes put them at risk. They pull, poke, throw, bite, and experiment with their toys, often without realizing potential dangers. Every holiday season, clinics and hospitals deal with toy-related injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to choking incidents, allergic reactions, and eye injuries. Many of these incidents are often linked to poor quality toys with small detachable parts, sharp edges, or toxic materials.
Take a few moments to inspect toys before buying, especially those sold at open markets or stalls. Apply the same careful checking to any gifts your child receives. Some low-cost toys may lack proper safety labels, quality testing, or clear age recommendations. Here are some tips to help ensure toy safety:
Age recommendations on toy packaging are helpful guides, as they are based on a child’s physical abilities, coordination, and understanding at different stages of growth.
For infants and toddlers, select toys that are large, sturdy, and free from small or detachable parts that could be swallowed and long strings/cords that could cause strangulation. Soft toys, rattles, and simple activity toys are ideal, but always check that seams are secure and materials are non-toxic.
For preschoolers, go for toys that promote imagination and creativity, such as puzzles, building blocks, and pretend-play sets. Make sure pieces are not too small and that toys are durable enough to withstand active play.
For school-aged children, consider toys that challenge thinking skills, coordination, or physical activity, such as board games, craft kits, or sports equipment. Even at this age, toys should still be used as intended and under guidance when necessary.
When buying toys, take a moment to read the label to make sure the toy is safe, suitable for your child’s age, and properly manufactured. Under Republic Act No. 10620, also known as the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013, toy labels must include essential details about safety and regulatory compliance.
Whether you’re buying toys for your child or for other kids, make it a point to inspect each item carefully before giving it as a gift. Check for loose or detachable components, sharp or pointed areas, and parts that can easily break during play. Toys that fall apart quickly can pose choking, cutting, or injury risks, especially for younger children.
Extra caution is needed with toys that use button batteries or small magnets. These items can cause serious harm if swallowed, and may require immediate medical attention. Long strings, ribbons, or cords can pose a risk of strangulation, especially for infants and toddlers. Also, watch out for toys made with poor-quality materials that may trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Even the most well-made toy can cause trouble if not used properly. Parents, guardians, and caregivers should read instructions, demonstrate proper use, and supervise playtime, especially for younger children. Teach children to put toys away after use to prevent falls and keep play areas clean and organized.
For infants and toddlers, avoid small parts, removable batteries, or long strings that could cause choking or strangulation. For older children, consider toys that encourage creativity, learning, and physical activity, while still meeting safety standards.
Toys are wonderful gifts, but you can also consider other options like books, art supplies, and puzzles which encourage creativity and learning.
You can also think beyond physical gifts. Fun experiences like taking your kids to the amusement park, enrolling them in a creative workshop, or simply engaging in activities you can enjoy together can be just as memorable. These thoughtful alternatives support a child’s mental, emotional, and physical growth.
National Safe Toys and Gifts Month reminds us that choosing age-appropriate, well-made, and carefully inspected gifts can help prevent avoidable injuries and ensure that children enjoy their gifts this Christmas season without harm.
At Medicare Plus, we encourage parents, guardians, and gift-givers to stay informed, read labels, inspect toys carefully, and supervise playtime. Beyond toy safety, having access to reliable family healthcare plans in the Philippines ensure that children and your whole family can receive timely consultations, treatment, and follow-up care whenever health concerns arise. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by getting a family healthcare plan quote today.
December coincides with the holiday gift-giving season, when children receive the most toys. This observance helps raise awareness about toy safety and encourages families to make informed choices to reduce the risk of injuries.
A Medicare Plus family healthcare plan provides easier access to medical consultations, treatment, and follow-up care for both minor and urgent health concerns.
During the holiday season, children may experience minor cuts, bruises, scrapes, or bumps. More serious incidents include choking on small parts, strangulation from cords or strings, allergic reactions, or eye injuries.
Seek medical attention immediately at the nearest clinic like Care Center Clinic if a child swallows a small object or battery, experiences difficulty breathing, shows signs of an allergic reaction, sustains a deep cut or burn, or complains of eye pain or discomfort after playing with a toy.
Yes. Books, art materials, puzzles, and shared experiences can support a child’s physical, mental, and emotional development while minimizing injury risks.
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