The most dangerous toys to buy children this holiday season are the ones they ride on, particularly scooters.
The study, published Monday in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, showed a dramatic increase in toy-related accidents in the last 25 years.
Researchers at Columbus hospital's Center for Injury Research and Policy in Ohio compiled and analyzed data from toy-related emergency room visits from the early 90s through the first decade of the 2000s.
Between 1990 and 2011, an estimated 3,378,073 children under the age of 18 were treated for toy-related injuries in the U.S., with a 61 percent increase happening between 1990 and 2001 alone. Ride-on toys -- scooters, wagons, tricycles and motor-powered vehicles like Barbie Jeeps -- accounted for 35 percent of injuries and 43 percent of hospital admissions.
"I've never seen anything like it in my career as a pediatric emergency room physician," Dr. Gary Smith, the study's lead author, told ABC.
Scooter riding without safety precautions has led to serious injuries including broken bones, lacerations requiring sutures and concussions.
The exception to this majority is for children under the age of 3. Choking remains the major cause of injuries for toddlers and infants.
"This isn't about guilt, blame and fault. We're not pointing fingers," Smith told CBS News. "A child's occupation is play and toys are their tools. These toys can be used safely but parents need to be aware of the precautions that should be taken for certain toys to help prevent an injury."
Most of the injuries sustained with these toys can be prevented by wearing the appropriate protective gear. With that in mind, Smith has one piece advice to avoid ER trips during the holidays.
"Wear a helmet, wear a helmet, wear a helmet," he said.