Yale New Haven Health and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) are urging parents to prioritize toy safety during the holiday shopping season. The organizations highlight concerns about counterfeit and hazardous children’s products, especially those sold by online third-party sellers.
James Dodington, MD, medical director of the Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital, said, “The holidays should be filled with excitement, not emergency room visits. Most toys are safe when used as directed, but with the rise of counterfeit items online and a flood of seasonal products, it’s crucial for parents to slow down and assess what they’re buying.”
Counterfeit toys often lack required safety testing, proper labeling, or quality materials. Lawrence Siew, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, stated, “Legitimate toy packaging will always include age recommendations, warnings and clear instructions. If you don’t see these details or if the packaging looks inconsistent or poorly printed, treat it as a red flag. Counterfeit toys often don’t have essential safety features that protect children.”
Medical professionals advise that toys should match a child’s developmental readiness rather than just their chronological age. Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital, noted: “Even within the same age group, children grow and learn at very different rates. A toy that’s too advanced can frustrate a child or lead to unsafe use, while a toy that’s too simple may not engage them. Choosing toys that fit a child’s abilities supports both safety and healthy development.”
Clinicians also recommend checking for hazards such as sharp edges or detachable pieces. Attention should be given to electronic toys’ sound levels since some may emit noise loud enough to damage hearing over time. Sam Schild, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital said: “A surprising number of musical or electronic toys can exceed safe decibel limits, especially when held close to a child’s ear or if for an extended period of time. One option is to test toys in-store when possible and remember that if a toy seems loud to an adult, it’s almost certainly too loud for a young child.”
Button batteries present another risk because they can be swallowed easily by young children and cause severe internal injuries quickly. Toys should have secure battery compartments closed with screws; loose batteries must be kept out of reach.
For gifts like scooters or bicycles, experts suggest including properly fitted helmets. Toys with long cords or straps pose strangulation risks for young children; small parts remain choking hazards for those under three years old.
DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli commented: “With the holidays here already, we know many parents will be finishing up their holiday shopping. Taking the time to make sure your gifts for kids are safe will ensure a happy holiday season. Lesser-known or off-brand toys sold through small or online retailers are more likely to be mislabeled. A quick way to test for choking hazards is to use the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. If a toy or part can fit inside that tube, it’s a risk for small children who put everything in their mouths. Simple steps like this can make a major difference in keeping families safe.”
The organizations provided several tips: select age-appropriate toys by checking label recommendations; verify fabrics are flame-resistant; ensure painted toys use lead-free paint; check for choking and strangulation hazards; avoid button batteries or small magnets; test sound levels on electronic toys; and match toys with each child's developmental stage.
Consumers who encounter unsafe products can file complaints with state authorities at ct.gov/DCP as well as with federal agencies.
Yale New Haven Health System is Connecticut's largest healthcare provider network and includes five hospitals along with specialty networks and community-based physicians throughout the region.
