Dangerous Christmas Gifts that could harm your child

So the yearly John Lewis Advert has been released so that can only mean one thing. It’s that time of year when Toy’s are at the forefront of many families searches and wanting to ensure the little ones (and older ones) in their lives wake up on Christmas morning to all the presents that they have been pining for, for the last few months. 

As a parent I get the struggle to please and to see the smiles on their faces. Many will look for cheaper alternatives but this can come at a cost and I do not mean financially. 

The Child Accident Prevention Trust have released a list of 8 dangerous Christmas gifts to be aware of this Christmas that could be dangerous. 

• Cheap copies - there is a reason that they are cheap!

  The materials are generally cheaper and in turn do not perform as well. They can break causing potential risk and/ or contain high levels of chemicals (counterfeit Labubu is a prime example of this). 

  
  

• Electric scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes - are they fit for purpose?

  Injuries are on the rise due to speed that these can reach as well as the protection for children. In addition to this the lithium-ion batteries can also be a fire risk especially if purchased from an unknown brand. 

  
  

• Easy-access button batteries - many products include these. 

  Although small, these batteries can be life-threatening and even kill! Always check electronic items to ensure that the battery compartment is secured with a screw or similar locking system to prevent children gaining access. 

  
  

• Water Beads - I can’t believe these are still available for sale as toys! 

  These small balls are appealing to children due to their vibrant colours and how they feel to touch. But again, they can be really dangerous if swallowed as they expand by multiple times their original size and can cause blockages. 

  
  

• Magnet toys - another long term pet hate of mine. 

  Not only young children are at risk when it comes to magnets. We have seen many reports of older children follow Tic-Tok fad’s and in turn swallowing magnets. If 2 agents are swallowed they can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries.

  
  

• Baby sleep products - but they look so cute… 

  They may look adorable when you see young babies in these however, if they are not the correct size/ fit babies can move down inside of them causing the top of the bags/ hood to cover their heads. 

  
  

• Slime - I do not understand the hype (and personally hate the mess).

  Children seem to love this gooey stuff but there are a vast amount of recalls every month due to high chemical levels of Boron. Being exposed to this can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and can even damage the reproductive system. 

  
  

• Laser pointers - loved by all (including the cat).

  These may be fun but if the laser is too powerful and is shone into the eyes damage such as permanent loss of vision can be caused. 

  
  

Take care when purchasing gifts for your loved ones and friends this year - if it appears to good to be true, it probably is!