Choosing age-appropriate holiday toys

Staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center recently advised parents about things to consider when purchasing gifts for children. Choking hazards were at the top of the list - with physicians noting that children under 5 and especially those under 3 are at risk. If an object can fit inside a toilet paper tube, there is a risk that it could obstruct a child's airway. Riding toys, such as scooters, are associated with a high injury rate, according to hospital staff. The U.S. Product Safety Commission listed several toy categories that are appropriate based on a child's developmental stage. They noted that 0 to 1 year-olds explore with their their senses (hands, eyes, and mouth), 1 to 3 year-olds engage in walking, climbing, and rough-and-tumble activities, and 3 to 5 year-olds enjoy imaginative play using toys with real-world counterparts.

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