Toy Safety Guide: Infants Toddlers and Preschoolers

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Toys play a crucial role in children’s development, stimulating their imagination, enhancing cognitive abilities, and fostering social skills. However, ensuring toy safety is paramount, particularly for parents of infants, toddlers, and preschool children. This post aims to provide a comprehensive toy safety guide for parents, equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions about selecting safe toys for their little ones.

When choosing toys for our young children, new toys are best. Used toys that are sturdy and in excellent condition are just as good. It’s important to remember how, when, and where the toys are made. In the early 2000’s, high levels of lead were found in toys from China, and because of the serious health threat it caused to young children, there was an international movement to create updated regulations. ASTM is the international standards, and in 2016 ASTM appointed the United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission, CPSC, to oversee the international standards for toy safety. In October 2023, proposed changes were made to ASTM963. ASTM963 is the name of the international regulatory standard that oversees toy safety. Lets take a look at toy safety!

Age-Appropriate Toys and Labels

One fundamental aspect of toy safety is selecting age-appropriate toys for children. Parents should carefully read packaging labels, which often indicate the target age group. Infants have different developmental needs and safety concerns compared to toddlers and preschoolers. Age guidelines are essential as they consider factors such as small parts, choking hazards, and potential toxicity. By adhering to these recommendations, parents can minimize the risk of accidents or injuries caused by inappropriate toys.

Ensuring Toy Design and Construction

Parents should examine the design and construction of toys to ascertain their safety. Look for sturdy toys made from non-toxic materials, such as BPA-free plastics, lead-free paints, and quality fabrics. Avoid toys with sharp edges, small detachable parts, or strings that could pose a strangulation risk. Soft toys should have securely attached eyes, noses, or buttons to prevent choking hazards. For electronic toys, ensure that battery compartments are securely closed to prevent access to small batteries.

Regularly inspect toys for loose or broken parts that may break off and pose a choking hazard.

Small Parts

Small parts are dangerous for small children under three years old, and cause a serious choking hazard. Balloons, coins, buttons, small toys, and certain foods are all around us in our everyday lives. Did you know grapes are the first choking hazard in young children (American Academy of Pediatrics)? When we look at toy safety for young children, there shouldn’t be any small parts. There shouldn’t be any plastic or button eyeballs. Have you noticed they are embroidered now? These small parts can become lodged in a child’s throat and cause suffocation and even death.

When I was little, my cousin and I (both of us in kindergarten ) were eating those hard candy balls that were marble-sized at our Christmas family gathering. All of a sudden, he was gasping, and his skin was turning blue. I remember it taking forever for the adults to come and try to help him. They could not. Thank goodness the ER was just a few blocks away. He ended up being fine, but it was a traumatic experience for everyone in my family. Although the candy wasn’t exactly a toy, it had the same outcome. If small parts are swallowed, there can be life-threatening consequences.

Choke Tube

Choke Tube Testing

Use the choke tube to ensure toys are safe. This is a Mega Blok figure, and it’s safe, and so is the Playmobil girl figure.

Child Choking Hazards

Toys that fit into this tube are considered choking hazards. This Lego man figure is a choking hazard.

Toys should pass the “Choke Tube Test,” meaning they should not fit into the choke tube, as infants and toddlers often explore objects by putting them in their mouths. Small toy parts are defined by the CPSC to be 1 1/4″ (3cm) by 2 1/4″ (6cm). This size is important and means that the small pieces can become lodged in a child’s throat. Any item that fits inside the tube is considered a choking hazard and must be kept away from young children.

In the photos above, I gathered together three common toy figures: a Mega Blok figure, a Playmobil figure, and a Lego figure. The Mega Blok and Playmobile figures are safe, but the Lego Man figure is not. It is also made up of removable parts that are too small and dangerous for children under 3 years old. It is important to remember an item larger than this can still cause harm.

Safety 1st Small Objects Choke Tester Child Proof Small Choking Hazards – 72302

You can purchase a choke tube with my Amazon Associate link. Early Childhood Toys will earn a small commission when you purchase items, but there is no extra cost to you.

Safety Measures for Choking Children

What happens when a child is choking? This can happen even in the safest environments. Here are links to guides at the American Red Cross.

Infant Choking: American Red Cross Guide

Choking in Children over one year:  American Red Cross Guide

Avoiding Toxic Substances

When choosing toys, it is crucial to ensure they are free from harmful substances that can pose health risks to children. Avoid toys made from materials containing lead, phthalates, or other toxic chemicals. Wooden toys should be finished with non-toxic sealants, and fabric-based toys should be labeled as flame-resistant. Parents should prioritize brands that comply with safety regulations and standards, such as those marked with ASTM, CE, or CPSC labels.

Supervision and Regular Maintenance

Parents should actively supervise their children during playtime, regardless of the safety measures taken. Although precautions can mitigate risks, accidents can still occur. Regularly inspect toys for signs of wear and tear, loose parts, or potential hazards. Repair or discard broken toys immediately. Additionally, be cautious about secondhand toys, as they may not meet current safety standards or may have been recalled.

Toy Recalls

There is one last aspect of toy safety I need to address. Toy Recalls. These happen when new toys hit the market, and problems start showing up. It is extremely important to follow these recalls put out by the manufacturer or the CPSC. You can join the notification of CPSC toy recalls in the link below. I will also post them on my Facebook page, Early Childhood Toys, if you want to be notified there.

It’s important to keep in mind that as toys are used, they may wear out and break. Those toys with lead paint from China are still out in circulation at resale shops and garage sales. It’s impossible to tell which toy has high levels of toxins without testing. So it’s up to everyone around the child to keep them safe. Older kids toys should be kept away from kids under 5 years. Parents should periodically check all the toys for wear and tear. When in doubt, throw it out!

Conclusion

Ensuring toy safety is a shared responsibility between parents, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. By following this comprehensive toy safety guide, parents of infants, toddlers, and preschool children will be empowered to make informed decisions and provide safe play experiences for their little ones. Prioritizing age-appropriate toys, examining design and construction, avoiding toxic substances, and practicing regular maintenance and supervision will provide a safer and more enjoyable play environment for our beloved kids.

Links For Your Reference:

CPSC Recalls

Consumer Product and Safety Commission

ASTM

I value your input and comments tremendously. If there is anything else I should include in this blog post, please let me know! Until my next post, Keep Everything Simple. Talk with you soon!