An entire month is dedicated to keeping kids safe during Safe Toys and Safe Celebrations Month! While this should be a yearlong focus for parents and caregivers, it makes sense to shine a light on the effort during the month in which the most toys are purchased, and kids are participating in a lot of celebrations!
This time of year provides a lot of opportunity for joy and laughter. With the right precautions and awareness, those joys can be multiplied without interruption from an injury—especially with the threats to our children’s eyes.
December is a great time to remember the need for intentionality in order to avoid unnecessary accidents in the lives of our young ones.
Toys that seem completely docile and benign can be the cause for an eye injury if used in a way in which they were not intended. Even when toys are used for their intended purpose, accidents are possible.
You may be surprised to learn that riding toys such as tricycles and nonpowered wheeled vehicles are responsible for the most injuries according to Stanford Children’s Health.
Considering December—and the entire holiday season—provides the opportunity for children to be playing with toys in large groups under minimal supervision, it is no wonder injuries occur at a high rate this time of year.
To keep your celebrations positive and avoid tears or trips to the ER, putting some precautions in place will help guard against accidents.
Keeping toys that launch projectiles—especially airsoft pellet guns or other compressed air rifles—out of the hands of young children will go a long way to maintaining healthy eyes and vision. “You’ll shoot your eye out” is a well-known refrain of the season for good reason!
When choosing which toys you will purchase as gifts this year, consult an online guide before clicking buy! A helpful guide like the one found at HealthyChildren.org will ensure you are doing your part to create a safe celebration this December and beyond.
The best way to make sure your kids’ eyes stay safe and healthy this December is to have a regular examination scheduled on the calendar. For more information on keeping eyes safe and to schedule an exam, call Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or get in touch online today!
