While Santa Claus is finalizing his list, the rest of us are dealing with our own holiday gift lists. This week on Health Watch, we’ll have some tips on good gifts. If you’re shopping for little ones, safety should be at the top of your holiday list.

Dr. Susan Scott, a pediatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says it’s important that toys be age-appropriate. Age recommendations aren’t just about how advanced a child is, but also have to do with their physical size and level of development. Keep in mind that a toy given to one child usually ends up being a gift to the whole family, so be aware of possible toy dangers if there are younger siblings. When you’re giving gifts such as skateboards and bicycles, don’t forget the safety gear that goes with them, such as helmets and pads, and be sure children know how to use toys safely before they start playing. 

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/pediatrics to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in pediatrics.