journalfront

ParentsKids

Holiday Hazards: Unsafe Toys and Accessories for Kids

2024-11-28

During the holiday season, the list of presents to buy for family and friends seems to grow longer each year. However, doctors caution parents to be aware of certain unassuming toys and accessories that can lead to emergency room visits for babies and small children. Dr. Robert Kramer, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, emphasizes the importance of being vigilant throughout the year. Here are some of the most unsafe objects to avoid during the holidays and why parents should take extra precautions.

Protect Your Little Ones from Holiday Hazards

Button Batteries

Button cell and lithium coin cell batteries are small and commonly found in various items like watches, key fobs, and hearing aids. They look like round buttons or thinner discs with a higher voltage. If lodged in a child's throat, saliva triggers an electric current, causing a chemical burn that can severely damage the esophagus. Within just two hours of ingestion, it can lead to perforation, vocal cord paralysis, or airway erosion. A 2022 study shows that over 70,000 children went to the emergency room for swallowing batteries in the past decade, with button batteries accounting for nearly 85% of the visits. More than 84% of these patients were under 5 years old. In case a child swallows a button battery, experts recommend giving them two teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes on the way to the hospital to coat the throat and reduce the risk of serious injury. However, doctors typically advise babies under 1 to avoid honey due to the minor risk of botulism. After a child swallows a battery, it's important not to induce vomiting, give any medication, drink milk or water, or try the Heimlich maneuver.

Micro Magnets

These powerful magnets are often marketed as desk toys or fake jewelry for adults. They are mostly round and come in attractive colors, resembling candy. Most adult magnets are made of neodymium and are five times stronger than conventional magnets. If a child swallows one or more magnets, it becomes a health emergency. If one magnet shows up on an X-ray, the child may need to stay under hospital supervision. If two or more magnets show up, surgery may be required. Inside the body, the magnets can pull towards each other and cause damage by entrapping an intestine and causing organ damage, which can be very dangerous and even deadly. Between 2009 and 2011, about 1,700 hospital visits were due to swallowed magnets.

Water Bead Toys

Superabsorbent polymer beads, or water beads, are small and can grow to more than 100 times their size when exposed to water. They are known by various names like jelly beads and hydro orbs. An estimated 7,800 children went to the emergency room after ingesting water beads between 2016 and 2022. These beads often look like brightly colored, spherical gummies or character-shaped items like dinosaurs, which can be mistaken for food by a small child. Swallowing one of these toys causes a medical emergency as the beads grow and obstruct the gastrointestinal tract, creating a traffic jam. The small intestine, the narrowest part of the system, is at the greatest risk of obstruction and possible damage. In some cases, bowel injuries require surgery to remove the blocked part of the bowel. After such surgery, some patients may have lifelong consequences, such as needing to receive nutrition through an IV or having an ostomy. It's crucial to recognize the common signs of bowel obstruction, including belly pain, vomiting, and general discomfort.

Glass Ornaments, Tree Lights, and Tinsel

Babies and children can accidentally swallow shards of glass if they chew on ornaments or tree lights. Even swallowing LED lights, which are typically plastic, poses a risk as any sharp object can cause a hole in the bowel. When there is a hole in the intestine, stomach contents can leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to serious complications. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the object before this happens. It's difficult to detect if a child has swallowed a tree ornament or light as they don't typically show up on X-rays. Therefore, it's essential to keep a close eye on crawling babies. Tinsel and decorative string can also cause choking or strangulation risks. Dr. Chris Ford, an emergency physician in Wisconsin, advises parents to ensure toys are age-appropriate and monitor younger children when they are in the same room with toys intended for older children. Vigilance is key during the holidays.

An alarming incident unfolded at an Excelled Montessori Preschool where a teacher found himself behind bars on Thanksgiving holiday. Alfredo Xavier Marmolejo, 29, was arrested by Bexar County sheriff’s deputies at the school in the 27500 block of Interstate 10 in Boerne on Tuesday afternoon. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of young children in the preschool environment.

Preschool Safety in Jeopardy: Teacher's Alleged Assault

Details of the Alleged Assault

Child-safe investigators sent to the school were provided with video surveillance footage from inside a classroom. It clearly showed a man using force on the 2-year-old children. The man was seen grabbing a 2-year-old by the arm, pointing his finger at the child’s face, and dragging the child by the arm. He then picked up the youngster and slammed the child down onto a chair. This act was followed by him slapping another 2-year-old on the back of the head with his hand, causing the child to fall to the floor. The surveillance video also showed the adult moving toward the back of the classroom and directly walking into a third 2-year-old child, causing the youngster to hit his head on a table and fall to the floor.

The initial reaction of the man when questioned by investigators was that he did not think what happened in the classroom was that bad. However, later he told deputies that his emotions got the best of him. Such explanations only add to the gravity of the situation and raise questions about the teacher's ability to handle difficult situations in a preschool setting.

Implications and Call for Information

This incident has significant implications for the safety and well-being of the children at the preschool. It has shaken the confidence of parents and the community. Anyone with additional information is urged to call 210-335-6000 or email the Sheriff’s Office at bcsotips@bexar.org. The authorities are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter and ensuring that such incidents do not occur again.

The bond information for the teacher was not available at press time, leaving many with unanswered questions. It is crucial that the legal process moves forward swiftly to determine the full extent of the teacher's actions and to hold him accountable for his actions.

As any savvy shopper knows, the best Black Friday sales start to roll out before Thanksgiving. From designer bags to bestselling sneakers, our editors have rounded up the best deals to shop right now so you can spend less time scrolling and more time treating yourself (and your loved ones, of course). Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe ahead of the new year or need an excuse to finally finish decorating your living space, these picks will make sure you’re shopping in the utmost style.

Discover the Best Black Friday Sales

Below, you’ll find a curated edit of the best Black Friday sales across our favorite retailers, including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Brooklinen, and more. Keep this page bookmarked, as we’ll be updating it as deals roll out.

Amazon

The giant e-tailer is offering major discounts across household names including Coach, New Balance, Adidas, and more.

Banana Republic

Take 40% off everything, including bestselling cashmere. Their Oversize Double-Faced Scarf Coat is now 52% off, the Brushed Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater is 40% off, the Siena Wide-Leg Italian Wool Pant is 40% off, and the Vida Half-Moon Shoulder Bag is 40% off.

Bloomingdale’s

Save 25% off thousands of styles, including new season hits.

Cuyana

Enjoy up to 30% off nearly everything, from chic work totes to leather accessories.

Everlane

Take up to 50% off almost everything from classic knits to commuter-friendly bags.

Gap

Take 50% off sitewide, plus 60% off select styles.

J.Crew

The Black Friday event is ushering in up to 50% off hundreds of styles from festive knits to sleek outerwear, plus take an additional 50% off sale styles.

LuisaViaRoma

Use code BF40 at checkout to take 40% off full-priced items.

Madewell

Shoppers can take 40% off everything from bestselling denim and leather accessories. Use code MADEBETTER at checkout to access. Their Tuxedo Button-Up Shirt is now 40% off, the Superwide-Leg Jeans are 40% off, the Dimes Stiletto-Heel Ankle Boot is 40% off, and the Essential Curve Shoulder Bag is 40% off.

MyTheresa

Score up to 50% off designer styles. Their Nour Hammour Vivian Shearling-Trimmed Leather Coat is now 30% off, the Frankie Shop Sophie Satin Blouse is 30% off, the Fendi Fendigraphy Oversize Sunglasses are 20% off, and the Khaite Dallas 45 Leather Knee-High Boots are 30% off.

Net-a-Porter

Save up to 50% off on styles from The Row, Leset, Jimmy Choo and more.

Nordstrom

Save big on favorites from Nike, Ugg, and Tory Burch, and take an additional 60% off clearance styles. Their Monica Vinader Essential Tube Huggie Hoop Earrings are now 30% off, the Ugg Discoquette Genuine Shearling Slide Slipper is 32% off, the Nike Sportswear Essentials Lightweight Jacket is 60% off, and the Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote is 30% off.

Revolve

Enjoy major discounts on Citizens of Humanity, ba&sh, Cult Gaia, and much more. Their Anine Bing Mika Shirt is now 44% off, the Retrofete Salome Leather Jacket is 55% off, the Agolde Recycled Leather Fitted 90’s is 6% off, and the Paris Texas Liza 85 Slingback Sandal is 40% off.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Take up to 50% off designer styles. Shopbop: Save up to 50% on thousands of styles with code: HOLIDAY. Their Ferragamo Mini Studio Box Leather Top Handle Bag is now 40% off, the Polo Ralph Lauren Fair Isle-Inspired Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater is on offer, the Citizens of Humanity Pieced Horseshoe Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans are 30% off, and the Alexandre Birman Clarita Stamped Leather Loafers are 40% off.

Ssense

By offering up to 50% off FW24 styles, it won’t be hard to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Their Jacquemus La Casa L’écharpe Carro Scarf is now 33% off, the Ganni Tech Oversize Down Puffer Jacket is 22% off, the Smeg Retro-Style 10 Cup Coffee Machine is 20% off, and the Diptyque Limited-Edition Summer Scents Small Candle Set is 20% off.

Sephora

This Black Friday, Sephora is rolling out deals advent-calendar style. Each day, the retailer will release savings on select brands. To kick things off, you can save up to 30 percent off on cult favorites from Urban Decay, including the millennial and Gen-Z approved Naked2 palette, and Fresh skincare favorites. Their Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette is now 30% off, the Eyeshadow Primer Potion is 30% off, the Fresh Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser is 30% off, and the Glossier You Eau de Parfum Set is 15% off.

Ulta

Save up to 50 percent off over 300 deals spanning makeup, skincare, and fragrance during Ulta’s buzzy Black Friday sale. If you’ve been waiting all year to finally take the leap on the viral Dyson Airwrap, now’s the time, as the complete set is $100 off. Their Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Set is now 17% off, the Tula 24-7 Hydrating Day & Night Cream is 40% off, the MAC Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick is 30% off, and the Virtue Healing Oil is 25% off.

Dermstore

While a trip to the spa is always a good idea, for most people it’s often reserved for special occasions. Right now, Dermstore’s offering up to 30 percent off skincare top-sellers, including Augustinus Bader and NuFace, with code JOY so you can make every day feel like a spa day at home. Their Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream is now 30% off, the Slip Silk Pillowcase is 30% off, the Arquiste Misfit Eau de Parfum is 30% off, and the NuFace Petite Facial Microcurrent Device is 30% off.

The Best Black Friday Home Deals

BrooklinenGoing to sleep always feels extra luxurious when you slip under those crisp hotel sheets. Now you can re-create the experience at home with Brooklinen’s Black Friday sale. The brand is offering 25 percent off bestsellers including plush bath towels, crisp percale sheets, and an all-season duvet that’s lightweight yet toasty. Their Super-Plush Robe is now 25% off, the Down Comforter is 25% off, the Classic Bath Towel Bundle is 32% off, and the Classic Percale Duvet Set is 32% off.