By Lloyd Doggett
U.S. House of Representatives
Seeing a child enthusiastically unwrap holiday gifts certainly shows what pure delight looks like. 
Of the many joys that come with the holiday season, few things match the smile on the face of a child with a new toy.  The holiday spirit is certainly alive in the many community events surrounding this season.  

Toys are meant to entertain, educate and inspire the imagination.  As a father of two grown daughters, I had not been in the market for toys for some time until two wonderful granddaughters, Ella and Clara, came along.

Unfortunately, some toys can pose real dangers, especially to the smallest child in the family.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, toy-related injuries sent more than 82,000 children under the age of five to emergency rooms across the country last year.  Nineteen children died from toy related injuries.   Recently, at Dell Children’s Hospital, I heard Dr Pat Crocker describe some of the toy-related problems that Central Texas children have experienced.

While our toys are generally safer than ever before as a result of decades of advocacy in support of product safety and consumer protection, parents browsing for the perfect toy should remain vigilant about hidden hazards. 
The protection of our children requires awareness and information. 
Fortunately, parents have an important source of support to turn to. The 24th annual TexPIRG Trouble in Toyland report, available on my web site, www.house.gov/doggett, offers safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards. 
Congress Passes New Laws to Protect Children
Last year Congress responded, especially to concerns centered on the large portion of our toys imported from China, by adopting the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.  This new law strengthens the lead paint ban, prohibits toxic phthalates in plastic toys and childcare products, and requires that all toys sold or imported must be certified as meeting high safety standards by an approved third-party testing body.  And the new law significantly increases the resources that the Consumer Product Safety Commission needs for effective law enforcement and consumer safety testing labs.
According to TexPIRG’s Trouble in Toyland report, despite a ban on small parts in toys for children under three, there are still toys available that pose serious choking hazards.  Over the last two decades about two hundred children have choked to death on a toy or toy part.
Parental Care Comes First
As important as it is for the government to enforce our laws, there is no substitute for a parent’s care. Parents need to be vigilant so that holidays will be a time of celebration. It is important to consider the youngest and most vulnerable member of family when buying gifts. While a doll may be fine for an eight year old, small parts could be a choking hazard for her baby sister, who like my youngest granddaughter prefers to taste everything first.
Be particularly cautious about purchase of older toys at flea markets or garage sales that may not meet current standards.  And though you may meet some resistance in ensuring their consistent usage, purchase protective pads and helmets to accompany cycles, skateboards and the like.
From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.