Attending a recent press conference on toy safety were (l-r): Sam Schild, MD, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital; Bryan Cafferelli, commissioner, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics, Bridgeport Hospital; Lawrence Siew, MD, medical director, Emergency Department, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital; and James Dodington, MD, medical director, Center for Injury and Violence Prevention, Yale New Haven Hospital.
At the start of the holiday shopping season, Yale New Haven Health and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) held a press conference to emphasize the importance of toy safety.
“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,” said James Dodington, MD, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital and associate professor of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine (YSM).
Counterfeit toys purchased from online third-party sellers may lack required safety testing, proper labeling or quality materials. Legitimate toy packaging will always include age recommendations, warnings and clear instructions, said Lawrence Siew, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and associate professor of Pediatrics, YSM.
“If you don’t see these details or if the packaging looks inconsistent or poorly printed, treat it as a red flag,” he said. “Counterfeit toys often don’t have essential safety features that protect children.”
Clinicians also reminded families to consider how well a toy matches a child’s developmental readiness, not just their chronological age, because children grow and learn at very different rates.
“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,” said Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital and professor of Pediatrics, YSM.
Before buying electronic toys, parents should check sound levels, because some toys can 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 used for an extended period of time,” said Sam Schild, a pediatric otolaryngologist at YNHCH and assistant professor, YSM. “If a toy seems loud to an adult, it’s almost certainly too loud for a young child.”
Other potential hazards include button batteries, which can be easily swallowed and cause severe internal injuries within hours; small or detachable pieces – significant choking hazards, particularly for children under age 3; and toys with long cords or straps that could pose a strangulation risk.
