Toy Safety: Helping Your Child Play, Explore, and Stay Safe

Toys play an important role in childhood. They spark imagination, support development, and bring plenty of joy into your home. But choosing safe toys is just as important as choosing fun ones. A toy that isn’t age-appropriate or well-made poses serious risks, including choking, cuts, hearing damage, or injuries. With guidance and a safety check, you can help ensure your child has toys that are both enjoyable and safe.

When picking out toys, start by reading the labels. The age guidelines aren’t just suggestions! They’re based on careful testing and safety standards. A toy meant for older children may include small pieces, strong magnets, or other parts that are unsafe for babies and toddlers. For younger kids, anything small enough to fit through a toilet-paper tube can be a choking hazard. It’s also important to make sure toys are not too heavy for your child to comfortably lift or carry. Sometimes a toy that looks harmless can cause injury if it’s dropped on a child’s foot or face.

For babies and toddlers, softer and sturdier toys are usually better. Toys should be made from durable materials without sharp edges that could hurt little hands, faces, or eyes. Plush toys can be wonderful for young children, but they need to be put together well. Avoid stuffed toys with loose strings, ribbons, or small sewn-on parts that could be pulled off and swallowed. Be aware that some stuffed toys contain small bean-like pellets, and these should be avoided entirely, as any leaks pose a choking risk. Stuffed toys should also never be placed in your baby’s crib, since soft bedding and objects increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

Keeping toys clean is another simple but important part of safety. Young children share toys often, and germs can spread quickly. Toys that can be washed or wiped down are ideal, especially during cold and flu season or anytime someone in the home is sick. Regular cleaning helps keep playtime safe and healthy. 

When it comes to plastic toys, sturdiness matters. Look for toys made from durable plastic that won’t crack or break into sharp pieces. Always check for labels that say "non-toxic," especially for toys your child might put in their mouth. Electric toys should be clearly marked as "UL Approved," which means they’ve been tested for electrical safety.

Magnets deserve special attention. While magnetic building sets and science toys can be fun for older kids, loose or high-powered magnets can cause severe internal injury if swallowed. Make sure any magnetic toy is age-appropriate and well-constructed with securely attached pieces. You can also stay informed by checking recall alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which posts updates about toys removed from the market for safety concerns.

Noise-making toys can be fun, but parents should be mindful of volume. Some toys, especially those with sirens, music, or electronic sound effects, can be surprisingly loud. If a toy sounds too loud to you, it's likely too loud for your child’s ears. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can contribute to hearing damage, so choose toys with reasonable volume levels and consider lowering the sound or covering speakers with tape when needed.

Whenever your child tries out a new toy, supervision is key. Watching how they interact with it for the first few uses can help you make sure they’re playing safely and that the toy works as expected. If you notice your child using the toy in an unsafe way, like putting pieces in their mouth, swinging objects near their face, or trying to take something apart, gently guide them or remove the toy until they’re ready for it.

Finally, toys are a popular gift during birthdays and holidays, and well-meaning friends or relatives may not always choose items that are age-appropriate. It’s always a good idea to inspect any new toy before handing it to your child. Make sure it meets safety guidelines, check for small or loose parts, and confirm that it’s suitable for your child’s developmental stage.

Safe toys help your child learn, grow, and explore with confidence. If you ever have questions about choosing safe toys for your child’s age and abilities, call our office.