Toy Safety Guidelines

Ten Ways to Ensure Safer Toys

Every parent is worried about the safety of their children’s toys and while it seems that the growing list of recalls makes keeping up with toy safety a tough task, in reality it’s something even the most time-crunched parent can work into their schedule.

Here are ten, easy-to-follow steps to ensure safer toys:

  • Follow age recommendations: Toy manufacturers always post age recommendations on the packaging of all toys. Parents are wise to heed these because even if your child’s skill level is advanced enough for something like a game of checkers, the small pieces make this a hazardous item for that age group. When it comes to choking, please remember that it’s not just something that affects infants and toddlers; children as old as 10 and 11 have died from toy asphyxiation.
  • Try to break your child’s toy: If eyes on a teddy bear feel loose, they might pop out during rough play or naptime. If you want to know how a toy missile might feel if it hits your child, test fire it on your own skin. Finally, it’s important to test any toy you get as a gift. While we’re sometimes hesitant to return a toy that someone gives our child, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
  • Remember to throw out broken toys: Every child is going to break a toy at one point or another and when a toy breaks, it can cause small parts to fall into a toy chest or somewhere else where they can be picked up later and put into your child’s mouth. Pay attention to the toys your child has and remember to throw away something that could pose a danger.
  • Keep your child in mind: Children develop at different stages, which is why age recommendations are just that – recommendations. If your have a four-year-old who still puts things into his or her mouth, a toy suitable for many four-year-olds might not be for your child.
  • Buy high-quality toys: Many dangerous toys that are the subject of recalls are low-cost items that sell for $1. While it can sometimes be tempting to spend $10 getting more toys than just a single, more expensive item, remember that lower prices sometimes mean corners are cut that could pose a hazard.
  • Report incidents involving toys: Toy safety is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of the agency’s recalls are the result of parent reports that alert them to potential problems. In many cases, these incidents can not only result in recalls, but also fines and litigation. Reporting unsafe toys is the best ways parents can ensure overall toy safety.
  • Follow toy recall reports: The CSPC makes it easy for parents to sign up for recall notices through their Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. When you receive a notice, be sure to share it with other parents who may have bought the toy as well.
  • Be wary of used toys: While used toys are certainly a bargain, make sure you check the CPSC site for any recalls or other issues before giving them to kids. In most cases, the sellers aren’t aware of a toy’s origin or whether an item has been impacted by a recall, so it’s up to you to be vigilant.
  • Take advantage of recall rebates: Large toy companies sometimes offer rebates to consumers who’ve bought toys that were later recalled. By following recall notices and checking with the manufacturer of affected toys, you may find that a recalled to you own entitles you to a rebate. Not only is it a cost-effective way to get a nice, new toy, but it also removes a potential safety hazard from your home.
  • Spread the word: If you hear about a toy recall, be sure and notify other parents, write the toy company, share the news on social-networking sites and do all you can to spread the word. Notifying other parents about affected toys can often generate a backlash against a manufacturer that can be parents’ best weapon.

Suggestions for age-appropriate toys

As children grow and develop their toys will also change. However, there are risks for toy injuries at any age, especially if a family has children of multiple ages and a child gets into a toy recommended for an older child. Below is a list of suggested toys for different ages to help prevent toy injuries.

0-1 years
Newborns to 1-year-olds  are exploring with their senses and enjoy toys which they can use their hands, mouths and eyes to investigate and touch or squeeze.

  • Crib gyms
  • Floor activity centers
  • Activity quilts (make sure there are no long pieces of fabric or buttons that could come off)
  • Toys that make noise when shaken or squeaky toys
  • Soft toys or stuffed animals

1-3 years
One to 3-year-olds climb, jump, walk and throw. They begin to play rough- and-tumble games and like toys which can be sorted or moved.

  • Soft or large blocks and balls
  • Toys that can be stacked or sorted
  • Push and pull toys
  • Pounding and shaping toys
  • Books
  • Simple puzzles

3-5 years
Three to 5-year-olds like to experiment with imaginary situations and have toys that are close companions. Provide toys that can stimulate their imagination.

  • Non-toxic, large art supplies
  • Pretend toys (e.g. play money, telephone, dress-up  clothes, puppets )
  • Teddy bears or dolls
  • Outdoor toys such as a tricycle with a helmet

5-9 years
Five to 9-year-olds like to be challenged with complex games that teach specific skills and concepts.

  • Arts and crafts kits
  • Puppets
  • Jump ropes
  • Non-toxic art supplies
  • Miniature dolls and action figures
  • Board games (especially ones which feature strategy and skill)

9-14 years
Nine to 14-year-olds are maturing and develop lifelong skills and hobbies. They join team sports and other group activities.

  • Hand-held electronic games
  • Board games
  • Sports equipment
  • Model kits
  • Musical instruments

Always avoid toys made with lead-based paint, small objects that fit through a toy testing tube, sharp-edged toys or parts that are loosely attached.