The study published online in Clinical Pediatrics shows that, on average, almost 150,000 children a year had to go to the emergency department because of a toy-related injury from 1990 to 2011. In 2011, on average, that translated into one child in the ED every three minutes after getting hurt with a toy.
The figures are climbing, too — up nearly 40 percent in the 22 years of the study time frame.
More than a third of the injuries happened with ride-on toys. In fact, the study says a big increase in injuries occurred with the popularity of non-motorized scooters. At Dayton Children’s, doctors and nurses in the emergency room saw 84 children last year with injuries related to foot-powered scooters.
Ride-on toys can be great fun, provide lots of exercise and help children with motor skills. Toddlers can benefit from the balance required to sit on a rocking horse, honing their muscles to adjust to the motion. A great deal of coordination is needed to learn how to ride a bike — to balance, pedal and steer all at the same time.
While there are benefits to ride-on toys, parents also have to make sure they are buying age appropriate versions for their child. “Most 3 year olds can’t handle the coordination needed for a bicycle,” said Lisa Schwing, RN, trauma program manager. “A 2 year old isn’t able to control a battery-powered car. A 1 year old may not have the balance to keep from tipping off a rocking horse. It’s important to not only follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations of a toy but also take into consideration your child’s personal skills.”
Parents can also research the safety features that are available on different models of similar ride-on toys.
“Think about how your child will be using the toy and think about how they could also misuse the toy,” said Schwing. “Try to find one with safety features, such as harnesses, straps or automatic stopping capability that will protect them.”
Safety gear should be an important part of the gift of any ride-on toy. It’s also important that parents make sure children wear the gear every single time.
“A helmet does a child’s head no good if it’s left in the garage while he’s riding his bike,” said Schwing. “Helmets should be snug and sit squarely on your child’s head. Head injuries can be deadly, even when falling from a bike. Don’t take a single chance.”
Shoes are another must for bicycles and scooters. Knee and elbow pads can also help protect a new rider who may be falling a lot in the first few days.
Ride-on toys can be a great gift for the holidays. With a little planning and a lot of supervision, parents can keep the festivities merry and avoid a trip to the emergency department.
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