Children’S Health: Toy Safety toy safety tips to consider

When purchasing toys for children, it is important to consider several safety factors. Toys should be appealing and interesting to a child, age-appropriate, well-constructed, durable and suited for that particular child’s physical, mental and social capabilities.

Toy Safety Regulations

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets mandatory toy safety regulations, as follows:

Toy Safety Regulations For All Ages

  • Electrical toys should have no shock or thermal hazards
  • Toys should not contain toxic materials in or on them
  • Toy paint should not contain traces of lead
  • Art materials used by children under 12 should be non-hazardous
  • Latex toys, games and balloons must contain warning labels regarding the choking and suffocation hazards

Toy Safety Regulations For Ages 3 to 6

  • All toys and games with small parts must be labeled to warn of the choking hazards
  • All toys and games with balls less than 1.75 inches diameter must be labeled to warn of choking hazards
  • All toys and games with marbles must be labeled for choking hazards

Toy Safety Regulations For Children Under Age 8

  • Electrically operated toys should not have heating elements
  • No toys should have sharp points or edges

Toy Safety Tips for Parents

Parents can take a number of steps to help reduce their child’s risk for toy-related injuries:

  • Make sure to refer to age and safety labels
  • Keep deflated balloons and broken balloon pieces away from children
  • Keep objects that can easily fit into a child’s mouth out of reach
  • Read all toy warnings and instructions
  • Keep a child’s ability in mind, rather than age, when purchasing toys
  • Avoid purchasing toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods and dangerous edges
  • Repair or replace any damaged or defective toys
  • Supervise children’s craft projects, as scissors and glue are among the most dangerous products

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