Not all toys are fun, doctors warn

ST. PETERSBURG - Pretty princess dolls and fun fake phones -- They may be exactly what your child wants for Christmas, but some toys can be hazardous.

"What we see all the time is that we get so involved in the gift giving that we don't think about safety," warned Dr. Ricardo Jimenez, a pediatric emergency doctor at All Children's Hospital.

All Children's is reminding parents to think twice and pay attention before purchasing certain toys this year. Hospital doctors say the biggest issue each year is children choking on small parts.

"That's the number-one cause of death associated to toy injuries and we see it year after year," Dr. Jimenez continued.

Experts stress that you should always buy age appropriate toys and look closely at labels.

"So if the toy itself says it's for a 9-month-old to a year means that it's safe for a 9-month-old to a year-old child," Jimenez added.

And always be on the lookout for recalls.

"You want to make sure that you're not buying something at a discount store that's already been recalled and might still be on the shelf," State Senator Charlie Justice offered.

Local ER doctors say toxic levels of lead on toys is still an issue.

"We know that in the 1970's we banned lead in the United States in paint, but that may not be the case for toys produced outside of the country," Jimenez said.

Which is why some state leaders are pushing for more testing.

"We want to continue to call awareness to the issue and encourage our congressional leaders to fully fund the agencies that look out for these kinds of things," Justice added.

But in the meantime, parents need to keep both eyes open at all times.

"You have to pay attention. Point blank, there is no 'leave the child alone and they can have that toy' and whatever because you can be surprised at how creative they can be," offered Lesley Tinnaro, a parent of three.

So parents, play with your kids -- it will help keep them at home with their new toys and out of the emergency room.

To see this year's Trouble in Toyland report on dangerous toys, visit the U.S. PIRG website: www.uspirg.org/issues/toy-safety