Accidents happen when toys are unsafe, or not appropriate to a child's age.
In the UK there are about 40,000 toy accidents each year. Choking is the most common accident, but many involve tripping over toys. Toys must meet legal standards for children under fourteen, but these do not cover Christmas decorations and novelties, or jewellery.
15 tips for choosing a toy:
- Ensure toys are marked as meeting standards.
- Buy toys from reliable retailers.
- For small children avoid items smaller than 45mm diameter to avoid choking. You can buy a small parts tester.
- Squeeze toys should not compress enough to swallow.
- Avoid small, detachable parts. Eyes, buttons and so on must be firmly attached.
- Avoid finger traps.
- Avoid hair or loose fabric, a choking hazard.
- Avoid toys with cords, strings or ribbons.
- Fabric should be flame resistant, and washable
- Avoid thin plastic which will break.
- Painted toys must have lead free paint.
- Make sure toys are not too loud.
- Avoid small toys that come with food, which confuses a child and may lead to choking.
- There are counterfeit toys and toy markings - if in doubt check with the authorities.
- Be careful with used toys. Online auctions have been offering recalled toys.
