Toy Safety

At each stage of their development, children face new challenges and different risks. By being aware of the kinds of dangers associated with toys at different stages of development, you can better protect children while ensuring their safe enjoyment of their toys. At least a quarter of a million children are treated for injuries in Canadian hospitals every year and tragically, about a thousand die from their injuries -- more than any other cause.

Babies learn by putting things into their mouths and are at a high risk for choking on toys. Many reports of choking involve infants or toddlers who were playing with rattles and squeeze toys. Marbles and small balls are also a hazard. Parental supervision is key. Toys meant for older children, especially those with small parts, should be kept away from small children.

When a baby is crawling or just learning to walk, toy boxes and toy chests can be dangerous traps and heavy lids can slam shut on small children. Well supported lids with sturdy hinges and plenty of holes for ventilation can eliminate such risks.

Tricycles and riding toys are hazardous for toddlers since they don't have well-developed co-ordination and injuries are common when using these toys. Choose age appropriate toys and make sure they ride in safe places.

Projectile toys and toys with parts that can fly appeal to school-aged children and can cause a variety of injuries, especially eye injuries. Supervise play with this type of toy and teach children never to aim projectiles at anyone.

Balloons are great fun, but they pose the greatest choking hazard for children of all ages. Always blow up balloons for children and never allow them to chew on uninflated balloons or broken pieces.

Before buying children's toys:
• use the recommended age labelling as a guide and buy only toys suitable for the child's age group;
• avoid toys with sharp points or edges;
• check rigid eyes and noses on soft toys and make sure they cannot be pulled off; and
• make sure small parts of larger toys, such as wheels on toy cars, are secure and cannot break off.
After buying:
• look for safety messages on toy packaging and follow all instructions;
• throw away all toy packaging, such as plastic, cellophane and styrofoam;
• teach your child to use the toy properly;
• throw away broken toys that cannot be fixed;
• make sure that batteries in toys are properly installed;
• do not allow a child to sleep with a battery-operated toy;
• supervise children playing with balloons and throw away pieces of broken balloons;
• remove toys and mobiles strung across cribs and playpens when baby begins to push up with hands and knees;
• teach children to put their toys away; and
• inspect toys regularly.

Health Canada Product Safety inspectors investigate consumer complaints about toys and laboratory specialists test toys to ensure that they are safe. If you have a concern, call your Health Canada district or regional offices of Product Safety or contact the KidsCare national program office in Hull, Quebec at (819) 997-4776.

No matter how much safety is built into a toy, supervision, proper use and maintenance of toys are part of our responsibilities. KidsCare is a national awareness program on child safety related to consumer products. For information, pamphlets and posters, contact KidsCare at (819) 997-4776.

This information was adapted from KidsCare materials produced by Heath Canada. This Resource Sheet may be photocopied and/or material inserted in other publications if credit is given and a copy forwarded to the Canadian Child Care Federation, 120 Holland Avenue, Suite 306, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 0X6, telephone (613) 729-5289.

This Resource Sheet was published by the Canadian Child Care Federation, September 1993.

Posted by: the Canadian Child Care Federation, September 1996.

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