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Toys can often lead to unwanted medical emergencies, particularly in A&E when young patients have managed to lodge small parts within their bodies. Now, with Christmas Day fast approaching, the purchasing of new toys is rapidly increasing, potentially leading to an increase in injuries and accidents related to their use.
This has led a paediatric doctor working in Accident & Emergency to issue a caution to all parents about the dangers posed by several popular toys. Dr Lillie Parker took to TikTok to issue advice on what “not to buy” youngsters this festive season. “Beware of the risks of these toys,” she began in her video.
Water beads
“These are like sensory play toys that absorb fluid,” Dr Parker clarified. “The problem arises if they are swallowed – they can actually fill with water inside the body and block the intestines.
“Avoid these like the plague,” she added. “They are just too dangerous.”
High-powered magnets
Magnets can provide immense fun for the aspiring young scientist, but unfortunately the power they possess can pose a serious risk to children’s health. “Any toys that consist of just magnets – especially if they come in pairs or more – when swallowed can cause the bowel to stick together,” Dr Parker explained.
She added: “This can cause twisting or blockages and I’ve seen this happen in children who have had to undergo emergency operations to remove them.”
Magnetic building blocks
Dr Parker expressed her fondness for the leading brand of magnetic building blocks, Magna-Tiles, but cautioned against cheaper and imitation versions. “They’re really likely to fall apart and the little magnets come out and kids swallow them,” she emphasised.
Scooters and balance bikes
While scooters and balance bikes may be viewed as a safe stepping stone towards riding a bicycle without stabilisers, Dr Parker is not an advocate of their use without a helmet. “If you are going to buy one, always remember to buy a helmet alongside it and teach them that no matter what – no helmet, no wheels,” she declared.
Dr Parker added: “Head injuries are probably the most common injury we see in A&E so let’s try and prevent some of these.”
Marble Runs/Mini Bricks
“If there are younger siblings around, you have to be really careful with things like Lego heads and marbles – they are the perfect size to block a baby or a toddler’s airways and cause choking,” Dr Parker warned. “Just think about whether there might be a better alternative to having these kind of toys in the house for your own peace of mind.”
Dr Parker continued her advice, returning to her TikTok with a “part two”.
Cheap toys with button batteries
“We all should know how dangerous button batteries are,” the doctor continued in her clip. “If swallowed they can cause serious burns, which may lead to a long-term disability.”
As an alternative, Dr Parker said always purchase battery-powered toys with a screwed-on battery compartment that cannot be taken apart by little fingers.
Foam guns
The paediatrician explained she has encountered numerous injuries to children’s faces and eyes from being struck by foam guns. “Personally, I would absolutely avoid these as presents,” she said.
Laser pens
“Not only can these be a nuisance to the community you live in, but they can also cause permanent eye damage if shone directly into a child’s or an adult’s eyes,” Dr Parker warned. “Best to avoid.”
Electric scooters
Similarly to the aforementioned manual scooters, the doctor advised against purchasing of e-scooters. “I really urge you to think carefully if you are thinking of buying an e-scooter for an older child or teenager,” Dr Parker said.
She explained: “We are seeing increasing amounts of trauma from road traffic accidents related to e-scooters – they go way too fast and they’re often ridden without protective gear in the dark at this time of year.”
Dr Parker concluded: “Try and have a really happy and safe Christmas.”
