By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The festive cheer of the holiday season is being overshadowed by a sharp increase in childhood emergencies, prompting specialists at the National Children’s Hospital to issue an urgent public warning. As families across Costa Rica exchange gifts, the hospital reports a predictable and distressing spike in preventable injuries, turning what should be a time of celebration into one of crisis for many.
Every year, the days following Christmas see a surge in visits to the emergency room for injuries directly related to new toys. Medical staff are bracing for a wave of children suffering from fractures, severe burns, and internal damage from swallowing small objects. This recurring pattern has moved health officials to implore parents and caregivers to prioritize safety and age-appropriateness when selecting gifts for young ones.
To delve into the legal framework and liabilities associated with the toy market, we sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the responsibilities of businesses and the rights of consumers.
The responsibility for a safe toy does not lie solely with the manufacturer. In Costa Rica, importers, distributors, and retailers all share legal liability for ensuring products meet national safety standards. Simply placing an item on a shelf implies a guarantee of its safety. Businesses that neglect due diligence and fail to verify certifications face not only administrative fines but also potential civil lawsuits for damages if a child is harmed, a risk that can have severe financial and reputational consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s point about a shared chain of legal responsibility is a crucial insight, reinforcing that the safety guarantee for a toy extends from the factory all the way to the local store shelf. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this fundamental aspect of consumer protection.
Leading the call for caution is Dr. Marco Vargas, the coordinator of the hospital’s Trauma and Surgical Emergencies Unit. He highlighted the significant dangers posed by seemingly harmless toys, particularly those with small, detachable parts, powerful magnets, or button-style lithium batteries. These small components are a major hazard for toddlers and young children who instinctively explore the world with their mouths.
We must avoid toys that are too small, which can cause choking, as well as those containing magnets or lithium batteries, as children often put these items in their mouths, noses, or ears, leading to serious injuries. It’s also important to remember that the sale of walkers is prohibited in the country because of the high risk of falls.
Dr. Marco Vargas, Coordinator of the Trauma and Surgical Emergencies Unit
The ingestion of these items can lead to catastrophic internal injuries. A swallowed battery can burn through esophageal tissue in a matter of hours, while multiple ingested magnets can attract each other across intestinal walls, causing perforations and life-threatening infections. Dr. Vargas also reiterated a critical public health reminder that baby walkers are banned for sale in Costa Rica due to their proven association with severe falls and head injuries.
For older children receiving gifts that encourage physical activity, the hospital’s message is equally clear: protection is not optional. The thrill of a new bicycle, skateboard, or pair of roller skates is often short-lived when it results in a serious fall. The hospital consistently treats a high volume of fractures to the wrist, shoulder, and elbow during the holiday period, with the vast majority of these injuries occurring because the child was not wearing the necessary protective gear. Specialists insist that helmets, kneepads, and elbow pads should be considered an integral part of the gift itself.
Beyond the gift boxes, the hospital also warned of other seasonal dangers lurking within the home. The festive atmosphere can distract from common hazards, such as large, heavy pots used for cooking traditional holiday meals like tamales or chicharrones, which can be tipped over by a curious child, causing devastating burns. Furthermore, families are advised to inspect Christmas trees for small, loose branches or ornaments that a toddler might ingest, and are strongly discouraged from allowing children any access to fireworks, a common cause of burns and eye injuries.
In its closing remarks, the National Children’s Hospital reinforced its long-standing policy of not permitting war-themed or violent toys within its facilities. Instead, the institution advocates for gifts that stimulate creativity, encourage safe, interactive play, and strengthen family bonds. The ultimate goal, officials stated, is to ensure that the holiday season is remembered for shared joy and happy memories, not for a preventable trip to the emergency room.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About Hospital Nacional de Niños:
The Hospital Nacional de Niños Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera is Costa Rica’s foremost pediatric medical center, located in San José. As a specialized institution, it provides comprehensive healthcare services to children and adolescents from across the country. It is a leading center for pediatric trauma, specialized surgeries, and the treatment of complex childhood diseases, serving as a critical pillar of the nation’s public health system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless commitment to professional excellence. Drawing upon a deep history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies to address modern challenges. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to empower the community, striving to make complex legal knowledge transparent and accessible, thereby contributing to a more just and well-informed society.
