MCCG Children’s Hospital Warn Parents of Buying Dangerous Christmas Toys

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Pediatricians at Medical Center of Central Georgia’s Children’s Hospital are warning parents about giving hazardous toys this Christmas.

More than 252,000 children were recently treated for toy related injuries in emergency rooms across the country.

Pediatricians say don’t let the excitement of giving children gifts cause you to forget some toys are just too dangerous for youngsters.

MCCG’s Dr. Yameika Head is one of the doctors working to make sure that number decreases this year by getting the word out about hazardous toys.

“People don’t think about, small batteries that can be put in cars or different types of toys can be swallowed or ingested, and can be put into different orphisis like your ear your nose, and they come in and we see that,” said Head. “Sometimes kids are given fake guns to play with but later on they mistake them for a real gun and end up fatally shooting themselves.”

More frequently youngsters are taken to the emergency room for doctor’s to remove game pieces and other items lodged inside them. Some cases are so severe items have to be surgically removed.

Dr. Head says parents should check to make sure the gifts under the Christmas tree are age appropriate and that smaller pieces of games and toys are out of reach of toddlers.

She suggested parents should avoid buying toys that shoot, or have parts that fly off, or that have points or sharp edges.