Unlock the Benefits of Safe Toys: A Comprehensive Guide

Choking and suffocation are the biggest toy-related hazards at this age. Small parts that can fit into a child’s mouth and be swallowed can be extremely dangerous.

As a guide, if a toy or its parts could fit wholly into a 35mm film canister, don’t give it to a child under three. The ACCC provides a free guide for how to easily make your own Check tool to see if a toy or detachable part is too small.

When buying toys for toddlers and infants, avoid:

• very small toys that could fit into their mouth
• toys with small components such as beads and buttons that could easily detach if pulled, squeezed, or twisted, or when the toy is dropped (as it will be).

Examine the toy and imagine dropping it a few times onto a hard floor, or tugging at any small parts like buttons or sewn-on eyes. Do they look like they’d easily break off? Is the assembly flimsy and likely to crack or come apart? If so, choose something else. Save with Beehive Toys Discount Code NHS.

Are they durable and washable?

Babies and toddlers have a special knack for getting toys dirty, not to mention chewing on them too. Toys that are hard-wearing and easy to clean will last longer and be safer for the child.

Inspect surfaces and edges

Make sure there are no:

• sharp edges
• sharp points
• rough surfaces, or
• small parts that could be bitten or break off.

If a sharp edge or point is essential to the function of the toy – for a toy sewing machine or toy scissors for example – make sure you show your child how to use it safely, and always supervise. Also check there are no gaps or holes in a toy where a child could trap their fingers.

Does it contain magnets?

Small, powerful magnets are very dangerous if swallowed. If two or more such magnets are swallowed, the magnets can lock together through the intestinal walls and cause perforations and blockages, leading to infection and even death. 

A new mandatory standard for toys containing magnets was recently approved and will come into effect on 29 August 2021. Under the standard, manufacturers must ensure that hazardous magnets will not separate from a toy during play.

It also limits the supply of toys with loose, small, high-powered magnets to scientific sets for children aged eight years and over and these sets must include a suitable warning label.

Check for batteries

Batteries are often used to product light and sound effects in toys. They can be found in many toys including plush toys, toy cars, digital pets, early learning watches, light-up yo-yos, games, novelty items and singing toys.

Make sure batteries are not accessible to small children; battery compartments should be secured with a screw or be otherwise inaccessible.

Be wary of noises

Toys that make loud noises – particularly toys that are held against the ear, such as walkie-talkies and toy mobile phones – can be harmful to hearing (and to parents’ sanity, perhaps!). Buyers also purchase at Baby Toys in Pakistan.

Watch out for trap hazards

Toy chests and boxes should be designed not to trap or close on top of children, or better still, they should have a lightweight removable lid or no lid at all. 

Any toy box big enough to crawl inside must have ventilation holes. Also, make sure the lid shuts slowly and is fitted with rubber or other stoppers that allow a gap of 12mm or more when the lid is closed, so that small fingers can’t be crushed, and to assist with ventilation.

Ensure swimming aids meet safety standards

Swimming aids and flotation devices such as inflatable rings or armbands should be labelled as compliant with the Australian Standard AS 1900. Follow the instructions carefully; these devices should always be used only under adult supervision, and they aren’t life-saving devices.

Does it fit your child’s developmental needs?

Toys meant for older children can be totally inappropriate or even dangerous for younger children.

How to choose age-appropriate toys

Not all toys are appropriate for all ages, and there are a few developmental stages to be aware of when choosing toys. 

• 0-12 months: Babies under one year old can’t move independently or see very far ahead of this. During this stage, focus on safe toys that stimulate the senses, including sight, sound, and touch. Toys can be colourful, light up, noisy with rattling or crinkly sounds or easily gummed like these teething toys. 
• 1-3 years: Toddlers will love anything that helps them use their newly learned motor skills, as well as those with an immediate cause and effect. They will love pushing and pulling, safe toys where they press a button and something immediately pops up shape sorters, and musical instruments. 
• 3-5 years: Young kids are rapidly learning during this stage and using their creativity. Age-appropriate crafts are excellent, including modelling clay or sand. Educational toys like puzzles or alphabet games are as helpful as physical safe toys with exerting their endless energy.
• 6-8 years: Kids at this stage are learning what they like and don’t like, so trying new toys like science kits, magnets or board games will be helpful. Friends are also important during this age, so they may want to do whatever their friends try. 
• 8 years and up: By this stage, kids have started to develop their passions and personality. So buying them safe toys that pertain to their interests is essential. Mastering a task and a sense of completion is also crucial at this stage, so crafts, video games, and sports items are great ideas. 

What to look for when buying toys for kids

If you’ve ever tried to buy safe toys for the kids in your life. You know that choosing the perfect toy amongst hundreds of items lining the toy aisle is no easy feat. While a toy must be age-appropriate, you also need it to be fun and exciting.

Fortunately, giving a child any toy is a guaranteed way to put a smile on their face. While kids might not appear picky about toys. There are still a few tricks to help you buy the best toys for the kids in your life. You can buy also and visit Baby Diapers.

What to consider when buying toys for kids

Going into a toy store or looking online can be overwhelming. Before you start searching, ask yourself a few questions to narrow down what would best fit the kids in your life.

Why do kids need toys?

While a mountain of toys certainly isn’t necessary, toys aren’t as frivolous as they might seem. The types of toys a child plays with can impact their mental, emotional, social, and physical development. Playing with toys is not only fun but can also be a learning tool.

For example, wooden blocks can foster creativity when a child imagines them as a person, animal, or castle. Puzzles promote problem-solving and spatial relations skills. A trampoline encourages physical activity and builds muscle, while play-doh develops a child’s fine motor skills.