Keeping toys safe for your children

Toys foster creativity, learning and motor skills. In the United States, toy safety is regulated by law to make sure they meet safety standards before being sold. This includes testing for hazards like sharp edges toxic materials and choking hazards. If you buy foreign-made toys, be aware they may not follow the same safety standards. While regulations play an important role in toy safety, you should always read toy labels and supervise children during play.

Being aware of these standards helps you choose safe toys, protecting your children from physical harm and contributing to their overall development, promoting creativity, imagination and cognitive skills.

Check out our Toy Safety Tip sheet

Tips for choosing safe toys

  • When buying a toy or game, consider your child’s age and development. Read the instructions and warning labels to make sure it’s safe for them.
  • If your child is under 3, check for small parts that could be choking hazards. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than 8.
  • If you have children of different ages, store toys for older children separately from those for younger ones, as they may have small parts that are dangerous for younger children.
  • Toys with magnets need extra supervision. If swallowed, magnets can stick together inside the body and cause serious injury.
  • Button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed. They’re often found in musical greeting cards, key fobs, remote controls and toys. Make sure the battery compartment is secure and needs a tool to open. Always keep batteries out of children’s reach.
  • Avoid cords or strings longer than 7 inches, as they may be a strangulation risk.
  • Water beads look like candy but are dangerous. If swallowed, they expand and can cause serious harm.
  • Make sure your child uses safety gear, like a helmet, when riding scooters and other wheeled toys.
  • After opening gifts, throw away plastic wrapping and packaging right away to prevent suffocation or choking.
  • Store toys in a toy box or container when not in use. Make sure there are no holes or hinges that could pinch little fingers.
  • Talk to your child about flying drones safely, since the propellors spin very fast.
  • Watch out for counterfeit toys that might not meet safety standards. Look for red flags like poorly photoshopped photos, few reviews, lots of negative reviews and typos in the online description.
  • Some toys collect personal information, such as your child’s name, birthday, address or payment details, through Wi-Fi. Check the privacy notice to see what information is shared.
  • Safe Kids tracks product recalls for children’s items. Sign up for email alerts at www.safekids.org/product-recalls.