Nursery teacher's urgent warning over five types of children's toys this Christmas
Parents have been urged to watch their children when they open their Christmas presents today.
If your home is echoing with the excitement of children gleefully ripping into wrapping paper and opening gifts from loved ones and Santa himself, it's likely that an array of toys is now spread across your living room floor.
But as youngsters dive into their new playthings, one experienced nursery teacher has issued a timely reminder for mums and dads to maintain vigilant supervision - as the safety risks certain toys may pose should not be overlooked.
READ MORE: Bin man's important message to people throwing away Christmas cards, wrapping and gift bags
READ MORE: Common Christmas turkey mistake that makes meat dry is easily avoidable, according to chef
In a widely circulated TikTok video, nursery educator Lauren Paige highlights five specific types of toys she suggests families avoid during the festive period. Some could even result in a distressing trip to A&E if mishandled. Among these are toys that can present choking hazards or other potential injuries if not carefully monitored by an adult.
Lauren's social media warning first drew attention to water beads - those diminutive, vibrant orbs crafted from superabsorbent polymers often found in crafting sets or offered as sensory toys. Having once incorporated them into her own classroom, Lauren admits to ceasing the practice upon recognising the threat they present. She said: "If they are swallowed, they can be incredibly dangerous because they absorb water and swell up."
Next, Lauren advised parents to avoid giving their children anything with "button batteries", also known as coin batteries or watch batteries, due to the risk of them being easily swallowed by young kids. She stated that these small, circular batteries, often found in watches and some battery-operated toys, are "unsafe to have around any kids".
The nursery teacher also warned parents about the potential dangers of electric scooters and hoverboards, noting that little ones can easily fall off and injure themselves. E-bikes and dirt bikes were next on her list, which she acknowledged could be great gifts if the child is mature enough to handle them safely, but also pose a risk of injuries caused by falling.
Lastly, Lauren discussed the "dreaded trampoline", a common Christmas gift that can pose risks if young children use it unsupervised. While Lauren herself had a trampoline as a child and only suffered a minor back injury, she chose to refrain from using it until she recovered.
Many commenters on the video agreed with Lauren's advice, sharing their own stories of family members who sustained injuries from trampolines and hoverboards.
One individual commented: "My son broke his wrist on a hoverboard. He was 11 when it happened," while another shared: "My sister broke her leg in two places on a trampoline." A third person chimed in with some wise words, stating: "Whatever people do, please watch your kids playing!"
