Toy safety
Every year in the UK over 35,000 children under 15 go to hospital after an accident involving a toy. The majority of these accidents happen to toddlers between 1 and 3 years old.
Stay safe
- Buy a safe toy - bargans can cause accidents
Choose only quality toys from shops you know. A cheap toy isn’t a bargain if a child gets hurt. Don’t buy new or second-hand toys, for example from car boot sales, without checking very carefully. - Throw broken toys away
It’s not charity to give them to others, it just passes your accident to someone else. - Give it to the right child - make sure it is right for their age
Read the label. Young children can choke on toys with small parts, on marbles, even balloons. Watch too for children playing with toys meant for older brothers or sisters. - Keep rooms and stairs tidy
Lots of nasty accidents are caused by people falling over toys left lying about. Put them away.
Listed below are items to check BEFORE toys are bought:
| Age warnings | They tell you how old children must be to play safely with a particular toy. |
| Small parts | Avoid toys with small parts for young children. Beware of small parts which can become loose or bitten off. |
| Filling material | Fillings in soft toys can choke young children. Check all seams are secure. |
| Toys with hair | Loose hair is a serious choking hazard to young children. Check all hair is securely attached. |
| Food imitations | Don't buy any toys which your children are likely to put in their mouths because they think it is food. |
| Toys and sweets | Sweets sold as part of a toy may confuse some children. Will your child be confused? |
| Sharp edges | Examine toys for sharp edges, points or splinters. |
| Finger traps | Be aware that toys that fold or have hinges may trap children's fingers. Check that locking devices work properly. |
| Cot toys | Don't buy cot or pram toys with long or loose strings. These can become entangled with a child's body or cause strangulation. |
| Toys that fly | Bullets, arrows and other toys that fly through the air can be dangerous. Consider if your child might misuse such toys. Follow all instructions and warnings. |
| Ride-on toys | Supervise children whilst they are using ride-on toys such as cars or rocking horses. Each year over 5,000 injuries are caused by this type of toy. |
Safety marks can help you identify a safe toy. Toys should conform to the safety standards BS EN 71. If this number is shown anywhere on the toy or the packaging it shows that the toy has been made to this BS EN 71 safety standard.
The Lion Mark on a toy's label or packaging shows the toy was manufactured to British and European safety and quality standards by a British manufacturer.
Toys for sale in the European Union (even those made in other parts of the world) must be marked with the CE Mark.
Office of Fair Trading
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St John’s
IM4 3AS
