Play Safe Not Sorry - Toy Safety Advice

Playing with toys is an important part of child-development. Toys must meet strict safety criteria and as such are safer than ever before but parents should remain vigilant about hidden hazards.

What to look for when buying toys:

• Is the age range suitable for the child? The recognised age warning symbol should appear on packaging.
• Is the toy - or any part of the toy - small enough to swallow? To test the safety of a toy use a truncated cylinder. This clear plastic tube, about 3cm across, allows objects to pass through it that are too small to be given to a child under 3 years of age. These include marbles, small interlocking blocks and game pieces.
• What is the toy made of? Does it have any sharp edges, spikes, protrusions or splinters. Are there moving parts that could trap or pinch little fingers?
• How strong is the toy? Pull on the hair, buttons, eyes, tails.
• Are there any strings or cords? These could put a child at risk of strangulation.
• Does it look good enough to eat? Imitation foods can be confusing to a small child - if you think your child will try and eat it don't buy it!Around Easter time there are toys containing real sweets so make sure your child knows the difference. There are also eggs containing small toys so extra vigilance is required.
• Are there any manufacturers marks? The key marks to look out for are the CE mark and the Lion Mark. There may be warnings written next to these marks and these should be noted.
• Is the toy new or second hand? Never give toys away without checking first that they are in good working order and check them over for safety hazards as you would when buying a new toy. Check all toys that are given to you and if in doubt throw them out.

Further useful links:

• British Toy and Hobby Association (administrators of the Lion Mark): http://www.btha.co.uk/
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA): http://www.rospa.com/
• RBWM Sure and Healthy Start: http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/

For further information, or to report a toy you think may be unsafe, please contact Trading Standards on 01628 683802 and Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Date of release 2007-03-28