FOR MORE INFORMATION
healthychildren.org: How To Buy Safe Toys
healthychildren.org: Toy Buying Tips for Children with Special Needs
recalls.gov: Information on Recalls
Toy Safety
Choose toys that match your child's age and ability. Read and follow all warning labels on toys and packaging.
Small parts can cause a child to choke. Toys with cords, ropes, straps, or strings can cause strangulation and should be kept away from young children.
Be careful with loud toys which can damage your child's hearing. Pick toys that allow you to adjust the volume to a safe level.
Avoid toys with toxic materials that could lead to poisoning. Look at the label and only buy toys that are labeled "nontoxic". Be careful with older toys that you get from someone else. If toys are made before 1978, they may have lead paint. Lead paint is toxic for children.
Keep button batteries and magnets away from young children as they can swallow them, causing injury or death. Young children may put these items in their mouths, nose, or ears, causing serious health problems.
Throw away all boxes, plastic, and tags because they can be risks for choking and suffocation.
Riding and mobile toys should be used in safe areas with an adult watching. Make sure that your child wears a helmet that fits them correctly and is appropriate for the activity that they are participating in.
Do not give balloons to children under 8 years old. Children can swallow pieces of the balloon causing them to choke, or they may get tangled up in the string, which can be a strangulation hazard.
Throw away toys that have been recalled. To learn about recalls, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website at cpsc.gov -- This agency sets up rules and guidelines to ensure products are safe and issues recalls if a problem is found.
Avoid using toy storage with lids, hinges, or holes to help keep children safe from suffocation and getting trapped.
Clean and check toys often for damage. Throw away toys that have sharp edges, missing pieces, or broken parts.
Do you have questions about toy safety?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.