Beware of Toys' Hidden Dangers

"Shopping for toys can be fun, but it can also be frustrating. Of the thousands of toys on the shelves, which one should you pick? The issue goes deeper than choosing one that a child will enjoy - you want one that will be safe.

Each year, more than 100,000 children suffer toy-related injuries severe enough to require emergency room visits. The majority of toy-related injuries are minor - only one percent of these injuries are serious enough to require hospitalization.

Riding toys are the primary cause of injuries. Choking is the most common cause of death, with latex balloons being the biggest offender. Children can also be injured or killed from strangulation, falling, suffocation, poisoning, and burns while playing with toys. "