LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Parents rushing to get last-minute Christmas gifts will want to keep safety in mind, especially when choosing toys for little ones.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 167,000 children ages 14 and younger were treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by toys in the United States last year.

Experts at Norton Children’s said small, easy-to-swallow pieces are the cause of many toy-related injuries. Coin cell batteries in particular can cause serious internal damage or even death if swallowed. They account for thousands of emergency room visits each year.

“Be sure to pay attention to the recommended ages on products and continue to purchase toys separately, especially in households that have children of multiple ages. Have separate toy bins and items that, once the toys are put away, will be easy to put away, without little hands. said Kinzi Evrad of Norton Children’s Prevention and Wellness.

She also said parents should be careful when shopping online because some toys removed from big-box store shelves for safety reasons, such as water beads, can still be found online.

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