Choosing Safe Toys for Children
Toys are essential for children's development and joy. But each year, over 200,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Choosing age-appropriate, safe toys—and maintaining them properly—protects children while they play and learn.
Understanding Toy Safety CPSC
### Why Toy Safety Matters
Annual statistics:
- 200,000+ ER visits for toy injuries annually
- Most injuries are to children under 5
- Choking is the leading cause of toy-related deaths
- Riding toys cause the most injuries overall
Common toy hazards:
- Small parts (choking)
- Long strings (strangulation)
- Sharp edges (cuts)
- Toxic materials
- Loud noises (hearing damage)
- Projectiles (eye injuries)
The Small Parts Rule CPSC
For children under 3:
No toy (or part of a toy) should be small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll. This includes:
- Detachable parts
- Parts that could break off
- Accessories
- Batteries in compartments
Small parts cause most toy deaths through choking. This is the #1 concern for young children.
Age Recommendations Matter AAP
Age labels are about safety, not ability:
- A smart 2-year-old still shouldn't have toys for 4+
- Recommendations consider choking hazards, not skill level
- Siblings' toys can be dangerous for younger children
### By Age Group
Birth to 12 months:
- Large, soft, unbreakable toys
- No small parts
- Nothing with strings longer than 12 inches
- Non-toxic materials
- No projectiles
1-3 years:
- Push and pull toys
- Large balls
- Nesting/stacking toys
- Crayons and large markers (non-toxic)
- Still no small parts
3-5 years:
- Construction toys with larger pieces
- Puzzles with larger pieces
- Outdoor toys (appropriate size)
- Art supplies (non-toxic)
- Tricycles (with helmet)
6-9 years:
- More complex building sets
- Science kits (supervised)
- Sports equipment (with safety gear)
- Bicycles (with helmet, appropriate size)
10+ years:
- Computer games (age-appropriate content)
- Complex models and kits
- Sports equipment
- Still supervise chemistry sets, etc.
What to Look For CPSC
### Safe Toy Characteristics
Quality construction:
- Sturdy, well-made
- No sharp edges or points
- Smooth surfaces
- Secure parts
- Non-toxic materials
Appropriate labels:
- Age recommendations
- Safety certifications
- Warning labels
- Manufacturer information
Safe design:
- No small parts for young children
- No long strings or cords
- Eye protection included for projectiles
- Safe noise levels
### Warning Signs
Avoid toys with:
- Small, detachable parts (under 3)
- Strings longer than 12 inches
- Sharp edges or points
- Loud noises
- Projectile parts (for young children)
- Strong magnets that can be swallowed
- Button batteries accessible to children
Specific Hazards CPSC
### Magnets
High-powered magnets are extremely dangerous:
- If swallowed, can attract through intestinal walls
- Can cause perforation, blockage, death
- Often in construction toys, desk toys
- Can detach from larger toys
Safety:
- Avoid toys with small, powerful magnets
- Check magnet security regularly
- Keep magnetic desk toys away from children
### Button Batteries
Swallowed button batteries can:
- Burn through tissue in 2 hours
- Cause severe injury or death
- Be found in many toys, remotes, watches
Safety:
- Choose toys with secure, screwed battery compartments
- Keep loose batteries out of reach
- Dispose of batteries safely
### Riding Toys
Leading cause of toy injuries:
- Falls from riding toys
- Crashes
- Entrapment
Safety:
- Helmets for all wheeled toys
- Age-appropriate size
- Supervision
- Safe riding areas
- No riding near stairs or traffic
### Toy Chests
Hazards:
- Falling lids can cause head injuries
- Children can become trapped inside
- Heavy lids can cause finger injuries
Safety:
- Lidless storage preferred
- If lid, should have safety hinges
- Ventilation holes in case of entrapment
- Lightweight lids
Checking for Recalls CPSC
How to check:
- CPSC website: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
- Sign up for recall alerts
- Check before buying used toys
- Register toys with manufacturers
What to do if recalled:
- Stop using immediately
- Follow recall instructions
- Don't give to someone else
- Contact manufacturer for remedy
Toy Maintenance AAP
### Regular Inspection
Check toys regularly for:
- Broken pieces
- Loose parts
- Sharp edges from damage
- Battery compartment security
- Wear and tear
Dispose of damaged toys:
- Don't try to repair if safety is compromised
- Don't donate broken toys
- Cut cords/strings before disposal
### Proper Storage
Safe storage practices:
- Separate toys by age appropriateness
- Keep older children's toys away from young siblings
- Teach older children to keep small parts away from babies
- Use safe toy boxes (no heavy lids)
Special Considerations AAP
### Hand-Me-Downs and Used Toys
Extra caution needed:
- Check for recalls
- Inspect thoroughly for damage
- Verify age appropriateness
- Check for missing parts
- Clean before use
### Toys from Other Countries
May not meet US safety standards:
- Check for safety certifications
- Be extra careful with small parts
- Test paint for lead if concerned
- Buy from reputable sources
### Homemade Toys
Ensure:
- No small parts
- Non-toxic materials
- Safe construction
- No sharp edges
- Age appropriateness
### Toy Packaging
Hazards:
- Plastic bags (suffocation)
- Twist ties and wire
- Small packaging pieces
- Styrofoam
Safety:
- Remove and discard packaging immediately
- Keep plastic bags away from children
- Supervise unwrapping
Noise Level Awareness AAP
Sound hazards:
- Toys over 85 decibels can damage hearing
- Children hold toys close to ears
- Repeated exposure causes cumulative damage
Safety:
- Test noise before purchasing
- Choose adjustable volume toys
- Put tape over speakers to reduce volume
- Limit exposure to loud toys
Supervision Still Required AAP
Even with safe toys:
- Supervise young children
- Teach proper toy use
- Watch for unsafe play
- Remove hazards that develop
Age-appropriate supervision:
- Constant for babies and toddlers
- Check-ins for preschoolers
- Available for school-age children
The Bottom Line
Choosing safe toys requires attention to age recommendations, checking for hazards like small parts and magnets, and maintaining toys in good condition. Check recalls regularly, especially for used toys. Remember that age labels are about safety, not ability—a bright 2-year-old still shouldn't have toys meant for ages 4+. With careful selection and supervision, toys can be safe sources of joy and learning.
Clara can help you evaluate toy safety for your children's specific ages and needs!