Posted: 1/14/2015

If your child got toys as a gift this holiday, make sure they are safe to use. Some toys can hurt kids and cause serious injuries. Protect your children with these tips from safety experts at Parkland:

• Look at the age label on the toy to make sure it matches the child’s age.
• Kids younger than 10 years of age should use toys with batteries instead of toys that you have to plug in to an electrical outlet.
• Don’t give children younger than 5 years old toys or games with small parts that can break off. They can choke on those pieces.
• Don’t let children play with button batteries or magnets.
• Take off strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young kids.
• Children younger than 8 shouldn't play with broken balloons or balloons that are not blown up.
• Remove all plastic bags and wrapping from toys. Kids can stop breathing if they put them in their mouth. 

If you think someone has swallowed a toy or battery, call the North Texas Poison Center at Parkland at 800.222.1222 right away. For more information about toy safety, call the Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas at 214.590.4455.