What are the safety guidelines to consider when choosing toys?
Watch for small parts, don't give toys with small parts to toddlers and small children. These youngs Read More
How would you decide if a toy is safe?
Andreane Macejkovic
2025-06-23 12:08:02
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If you’re unsure about the safety of a toy, here are some checks you can do: 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. 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. If they look like they’re copied from a leaflet, sound very similar or were written on the same day, they could be fake.
Lyda Frami
2025-06-23 10:58:08
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Buy toys from brand names you know. If you’ve never heard of the seller and the price is really tempting, the toy could be dangerous. Be really careful when buying for under 3s as they’re most at risk from dangerous toys. Watch out for cheap copies of popular toys. They may not be made to UK safety standards. Check if the toy has been removed from sale because it’s unsafe. Visit gov.uk for a list of recalled products. If you buy something that looks unsafe, trust your instincts and send it back.
Read also
What are the criteria for selecting toys?
Choose toys that can be used in a variety of ways. Toddlers love to take apart, put back, pull out, Read More
Madison Spencer
2025-06-23 08:47:48
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When buying toys, it's essential to check for certain safety features. Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant. 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. Guidelines published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other groups can help you make those buying decisions. 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. A small-parts tester, or choke tube, can determine if a toy is too small.
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. If you have any doubt about a toy's safety, do not let your child play with it.