A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is highlighting the importance of safety when buying and playing with kids’ toys – even for older children.

The commission’s Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report found there were 11 deaths, and an estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger. 

The majority of the 11 deaths reported were attributed to choking or asphyxiation associated with small parts, balls or balloons. Among the emergency treated injuries, non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of injuries across all age groups – 35,400. Non-motorized scooters accounted for one in every five toy-related injuries to children aged 14 and younger.

While the report showed year-over-year shifts in injuries and deaths, commission researchers observed a statistically significant downward trend from 2015 to 2022 in toy-related injuries for children 14 years and younger. There was a nearly 12% decrease in the estimate of toy-related emergency treated injuries from 2015 (181,600) to 2022 (159,500) for children 14 years and younger whereas children under the age of 13 saw a 16% decrease (173,200 to 145,500).

Consumers should not only “think safety” about what they buy for children but should also be vigilant about where gifts are purchased, especially online. As e-commerce retailing continues to grow year-over-year for holiday sales, Commission Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric is urging caution when turning to online retail outlets. 

“Consumers expect the products they purchase online to be as safe as those they buy in brick-and-mortar stores,” Hoehn-Saric said. “While this is true when buying online directly from a manufacturer, purchasing from an online marketplace that services other sellers raises additional risks. Consumers need to educate themselves not only about what they buy, but where and from whom. It’s important not to sacrifice safety.” 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following tips when purchasing products online:

*Remember that when buying gifts online, one could be purchasing directly from a manufacturer, or going through a retailer or a third-party seller. In each instance, if there is a problem with a product or a return or exchange it where the product was purchased matters. Look for the “sold by” information when purchasing from an online marketplace.

*Do more than skim product descriptions. Always read to the bottom of the listing or check drop-down menus for additional safety information, especially when shopping for children.  Also, read customer reviews to see what other consumers have experienced with the product.

*Look for a certification mark on toys from an independent testing organization on the manufacturer’s label.

*If purchasing second-hand products from an online marketplace, check to see whether products have been recalled before buying by going to CPSC.gov/recalls.

*Buy from reputable dealers and if the price seems too good to be true, this can be a sign that the product is not authentic or original, and may be unsafe.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seized more than 1.1 million dangerous or illegal toys in fiscal year 2023. Of those, nearly 101,000 toy seizures were lead related.

*Follow age guidance and other safety information on toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.

*Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys–and make sure that children use them every time.

*Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age three and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age eight.

*Once the gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous playthings.

This article is a release by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.