Toy Safety: Protecting Kids’ Eyes from Harm This Holiday Season
When it comes to picking out toys for your kids, we all want to make the holidays extra special! However, some toys that seem totally harmless can surprise us with hidden risks, especially for little ones’ eyes. Keeping an eye out for the following things in your child's toys can go a long way to keeping playtime both safe and fun.
Why Eye Safety Matters
Kids’ eyes are still growing and developing, which means they’re a bit more sensitive than we might realize. Accidents happen so quickly—whether it’s a foam dart flying the wrong way or a sharp edge on a toy—and injuries like scratches or infections can be more serious than we’d expect.
But don’t stress. By keeping a few things in mind, you can cut those risks way down and keep the focus on the fun.
Toys to Keep an Eye On
Even the coolest toys can have some hidden hazards. Here are a few to watch out for:
Toys with Projectiles
Examples: Nerf guns, slingshots, bow-and-arrow sets
Why They’re Tricky: Foam darts and arrows might seem soft, but they can fly pretty fast—fast enough to scratch or bruise an eye. And toys with harder plastic projectiles can be even riskier.
Laser Pointers or Laser Toys
Examples: Laser tag sets, light-up projectors
Why They’re Tricky: Lasers can be a lot stronger than they look. Shining one directly into someone’s eyes—even by accident—can cause damage to the retina, sometimes with lasting effects.
Sharp or Pointy Toys
Examples: Toy swords, wands, or kits with sticks
Why They’re Tricky: These can easily lead to accidental pokes or scratches, and injuries around the eye area are especially sensitive.
Chemistry Kits or Messy Toys
Examples: Slime kits, science experiment sets
Why They’re Tricky: Even non-toxic chemicals can irritate the eyes, and it’s so easy for kids to get carried away during play.
Drones or Remote-Controlled Toys
Examples: Mini drones, helicopters
Why They’re Tricky: These toys are super fun but can crash into kids (or anyone nearby!) if control is lost, causing accidental bumps or bruises to the face and eyes.
How to Pick Safer Toys Without Spoiling the Fun
Keeping things safe doesn’t mean saying no to all the cool toys—it’s just about making thoughtful choices. Here’s how you can keep things exciting and safe:
Stick to the Right Age Range: If the box says it’s for ages 10+, trust it! Younger kids need toys without small parts, sharp edges, or fast-moving projectiles.
Check It Out First: Give toys a quick inspection to spot anything sharp, loose, or overly powerful before adding them to the cart.
Keep an Eye on Playtime: Be around during playtime—especially with toys like Nerf blasters, drones, or those wonderfully messy science kits.
Make Goggles Fun: For kids using Nerf guns, slime kits, or anything with projectiles, a pair of safety goggles can be a game-changer. You could even let them decorate their goggles to make wearing them fun!
What to Do If an Accident Happens
Even when we’re careful, things can happen. Here’s how to handle it if a toy-related eye injury occurs:
Stay Calm: Accidents can be scary, but staying calm helps your child stay calm, too.
Stop Rubbing: Encourage your child not to rub their eyes—it can make things worse.
Call the Doctor: Reach out to an eye doctor or emergency room right away if injury happens.
Making the Holidays Safe and Magical
The holidays should be filled with joy, excitement, and plenty of playtime. By choosing toys carefully, supervising when needed, and being prepared for the unexpected, you can make sure the season stays safe and stress-free.
For more tips on protecting kids’ vision—or finding the perfect contact lenses for busy families—visit us at Blue Planet Optics. Let’s make this season one to remember, for all the right reasons.