Toy safety

Toys are childhood treasures, especially when they've been chosen with care. Keep these guidelines in mind when choosing playthings for your child, and you can share them with anyone who may be buying gifts for your child.

Supervise your child when he's playing

In general, it's safer to keep the play area tidy and supervise children when they're playing. If there are warnings and instructions provided on the toys, then try to follow them.

Make sure the toy is suitable for your child

Check the age range. Is it suited to your child's level of ability? Most toys have a "recommended age" sticker, which can be taken as a starting point in your selection process.

Be realistic about your child's abilities and level of maturity when choosing an age-appropriate toy. Some toys that are designed to be thrown or that have projectiles can be unsuitable for a child under the age of four. Even some six-year-olds aren't mature enough to handle these toys.

Likewise, if your four-year-old still puts everything into his mouth, continue to steer clear of toys and games with small parts and pieces.

Also think about whether your child is physically ready for this toy. For example, parents with older children often buy a bike one size too big to save themselves having to buy a new bike the next year. This tactic can lead to injury, since their child may not have the physical skills to safely control the bigger bike.

Think big for little kids

Be particularly careful with toys for children under three. Up to the age of three, toy parts should be bigger than your child's mouth to avoid any chance of choking. Remember, younger children play with older children's toys.

But not heavy

Is the toy too heavy? Could your baby be hurt if it fell on him? If so, don't buy it.

Check out the construction

Look for toys that are well put together. Check for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points.

Tails should be securely sewn, seams of stuffed animals should be reinforced, and paint shouldn't peel. Stuffed animals should also be free of buttons, yarn, ribbons, glass eyes or anything your child could pull off and put in his mouth.

Condition, condition, condition

Is the toy in good condition? Check toys for wear and throw away damaged toys. Used toys passed down from family members, or bought at garage sales or op shops can be worn or frayed, which may sometimes be harmful.

Examine all new or used toys for any buttons, batteries, ribbons, eyes, beads or plastic appendages that could easily be chewed or snapped off.

Length matters

Is there a string or cord on the toy longer than 30 cms (12 inches)? A cord can too easily be wrapped around a young child's neck, risking strangulation.

Once your child can climb up on his hands and knees, remove cot gyms or hanging mobiles from his cot.

Also, be particularly vigilant about older toys. For example, an old model of a popular play kitchen may have a phone attached with a potentially deadly cord, while the latest model will have a safer version.

Outdoor toy safety

Check garden swings and slides. Are they robust and safely fixed? Check that they don't present a risk of strangulation.

Find out more by checking out Choice's toy safety checklistOpens a new window. And search for products that have been recalled on the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission's websiteOpens a new window.

Check out our illustrated first-aid guide for choking babies.