Safe Kids Louisville is urging people to shop wisely for small kids this holiday season.In 2012, emergency rooms saw an estimated 265,000 toy-related injuries, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of the injuries involved children 12 and younger.Erika Janes, coordinator of Safe Kids Louisville, says parents should be sure that toys and games are meant for each child’s age group.“We want people to use their money wisely, so make sure that whatever toy or game they pick for their child is appropriate for their age, but it’s also safe," Janes says.Janes says mobile toys such as scooters accounted for most injuries to younger children. She says parents should be sure to buy safety gear if they’re giving those types of toys.Janes says parents should also keep in mind younger sibling when buying gifts for older children.She says small button batteries found in toys and holiday decorations are a growing concern.And, she says, when in doubt while shopping, consider toys that can’t be harmful.“I mean, nothing beats a book for that age group," Janes says. "I mean, to encourage kids to read is phenomenal, and just recognize pictures and play games like that is wonderful to really spread their little imaginations.”(Image via Shutterstock)
