'I'm an A&E doctor and there's five Christmas gifts I'd never give to a child'

14 December 2023 , 15:10

598     0

Keep your kids safe this Xmas (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/Image Source)

Christmas can quickly turn into carnage if it involves a trip to A&E.

Demand for accident and emergency treatment spikes in the UK between Boxing Day (December 26) and December 29. The NHS urges patients to avoid the busy period if they can and to only turn up to hospital if they need to.

And while the festive season isn't necessarily a dangerous time of year, certain gifts could end up with your little ones being rushed to hospital. Luckily, an A&E doctor has revealed which presents are best left off Santa's list this year, and how to keep your tots safe and at home.

Dr. Meghan Martin works in the ER department in Florida. In a viral TikTok video, she explains which presents she would never give to her own children. The first is any type of device that requires a button battery.

"They keep those little compartments closed with these little cheap screws - it's not worth it," Dr. Martin said. "They can literally kill kids and they do every year."

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

Toys containing water beads - which are often sold as sensory toys - should also be avoided. The mum of four says children can ingest them when they're small which can cause 'bowel obstructions'. They can also cause issues with pets too if consumed.

Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter

Next up is a gift parents may already be cautious about due to their potentially dangerous consequences: electric scooters. "Kids go way too fast on these," Dr Martin explained. "They hit a bump and they go flying. They mess up their faces, arms, and heads. It's bad news."

In a similar vein, hoverboards can lead to broken bones and late-night A&E trips, as well as posing a fire risk. In the UK, it is illegal to use hoverboards on public roads - but Brits can ride them in private property.

Last but not least is trampolines. While they can potentially lead to hours of fun, especially in the summer months, they can cause dangerous injuries. "It doesn't matter if you have a net, it doesn't matter if it's buried in the ground," Dr Martin added. "Most of the injuries actually happen on the trampoline... I hope you have a wonderful holiday and do not need to pay me a visit."

What do you think of the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below

Liam Gilliver