What are the safety guidelines to consider when choosing toys?
Reuben Mraz
2025-07-10 07:59:41
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: 19
If you’re shopping for a child under 3, we recommend opting for well-known brand names and retailers if you can.
The online store of a high street chain, the website of a big-name toy brand, the manufacturer of the branded toy are good options.
Here in the UK or elsewhere in Europe are also good options.
Watch out, a UK PO Box may hide the fact a company is actually based overseas.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Be wary of toys with small or loose parts and no age warning.
If the listing contradicts itself – for example, it’s described as a toddler’s toy, but elsewhere it says it’s not suitable for under 3s – think again.
Look out for suspicious reviews.
Check battery compartments for accessible button batteries or loose spares in the box.
Check for any loose small magnets.
Give the parts on the toy a quick tug and check for small parts that come off.
Look for long cords or access to stuffing.
Check if there are any age restrictions or safety warnings on the product.
A CE mark is required by law on any toy sold in the EU.
The UKCA mark is the manufacturer’s claim that the toy complies with all UK laws and the applicable British conformity assessment procedures.
The Lion Mark is a good indicator of a toy’s safety.
But remember, safety markings could be faked, so use your judgement.
If a bargain seems too good to be true, trust your instincts and don’t rely solely on the markings.
Nathaniel O'Kon
2025-06-30 23:44:53
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: 19
Always follow age guidelines. While some children are more advanced for their age, trust the manufacturer's recommendations when choosing toys. Refer to the product packaging or website, taking note of any warnings. Keep little ones away from bigger kids’ toys, and set house rules for playing with certain items away from younger children – and for putting them away properly afterward. Additionally, keep an eye out for: Sharp edges and small parts that could be pulled loose, Long strings or cords that could be wrapped around a child’s neck, arm or leg, Anything that could cut or pinch tiny fingers, Packaging with sharp edges or that could pose a choking risk. A small parts tester – or make one at home, can help determine whether a toy could pose a choking hazard. Toys need to be at least 1.25 inches in diameter and about 2.25 inches long to avoid choking or swallowing. Avoid toys with magnets and button batteries. Button batteries pose a significant danger to children if ingested, they pose both a choking and major burn risk. Powerful magnets can also pose a life-threatening risk if swallowed.
Francisca Durgan
2025-06-23 14:04:55
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Know who you are buying from, wherever you are shopping, remember reputation matters. Is the seller widely recognised for safe and reliable toys? Get as much information on the seller as you can, especially if you’re buying from an online marketplace. Not everything sold on an online platform is supplied by them. If the actual supplier is not based in the UK, you may face heightened risks. Always read the warnings and instructions, toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations. Avoid toys with small parts, they can be a choking hazard. Look out for strangulation hazards, loose ribbons on toys and costumes can pose risks to young children. Check the toys are for kids, magnets can look like toys, keep them away from children. Check for button batteries, ensure that any button batteries in a toy are safely behind a screwed down flap. Check for product recalls, see if the toy you’re buying has been recalled at productrecallcampaign.gov.uk.
Fletcher Leffler
2025-06-23 12:24:26
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: 14
Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way. Think LARGE. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child's mouth to prevent choking. Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking. Avoid toys that are loud to prevent damage to your child's hearing. Look for stuffed toys that are well made. Make sure all the parts are on tight and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable. Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed. Buy plastic toys that are sturdy. Toys made from thin plastic may break easily into sharp pieces. Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the label says "nontoxic." Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years. They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Electric toys should be "UL Approved." Check the label to be sure. Be careful when buying crib toys. Soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation should be kept out of the crib. Age recommendations on toys are important, because they help you gauge: how safe the toy is, whether your child will be able to understand how to play with the toy, whether the toy will match their needs and interests at their stage of development. Look out for toys with small batteries or loose magnets. Be careful about buying toys with small batteries or high-powered magnets. If they get loose, younger children might be tempted to put in their mouths, noses or ears, which can cause serious injuries.
Denis Abbott
2025-06-23 10:20:54
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: 15
Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant. Stuffed toys should be washable. Paint on any toys should be lead-free. Art materials should say nontoxic. Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they've been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Always read labels to make sure a toy is appropriate for a child's age. Toys should be large enough — at least 1¼ inches (3 centimeters) in diameter and 2¼ inches (6 centimeters) in length — so that they can't be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters) in diameter or less because they can get stuck in the throat above the windpipe and make breathing difficult. Battery-operated toys should have battery cases that secure with screws so that kids cannot pry them open. When checking a toy for a baby or toddler, make sure it's unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing. Also, make sure it doesn't have: sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose small ends that can reach the back of the mouth strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters) parts that could pinch small fingers.
Cristal Krajcik
2025-06-23 09:05:48
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Watch for small parts, don't give toys with small parts to toddlers and small children. These youngsters tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. Age appropriate toys should be selected to suit a child's age, abilities, skills and interest level. Toys that are too advanced can pose safety hazards. Look for the letters "ASTM" which means that a product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Be sure to read any warning labels before buying toys. Also, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for a list of recalled toys and recall alerts. Inspect toys for solid construction, they should be made of long-lasting materials, have no sharp edges or points, and be able to survive impact. Read carefully instructions and follow suggested age levels and safety instructions.
Jordon Kohler
2025-06-23 08:27:45
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: 23
Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding, or projectile parts. Make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause an eye injury. Ensure that laser product labels include a statement that the device complies with 21 CFR (the Code of Federal Regulations) Subchapter J. Along with sports equipment, give children the appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Check with your ophthalmologist to learn about protective gear recommended for your child's sport. Check labels for age recommendations. Be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for a child's age and maturity. Keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children. If your child experiences an eye injury from a toy, seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist.
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