The holiday season is beginning, and many consumers are already shopping for the children in their lives. While they search for the perfect toys to wrap, they should remember that the greatest gift of all is safety!
Shopping For New Toys
If consumers plan to purchase a new toy online or in-store, they should review the packaging for safety information. Search for two labels:
- Age grading labels, which indicate the age range for which a toy is deemed developmentally appropriate and safe based on factors like a child’s motor skills; play behaviors; and potential hazards, like small parts that could cause choking.
- ASTM and/or UL safety verification labels, which confirm a product has met safety standards set by ASTM International or Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Toys that meet safety standards will be labeled ASTM F963.
- Art materials that meet safety standards will be labeled ASTM D4236.
- Consumers can be confident that toys with UL certification have been tested by a laboratory which meets federal children’s product safety testing standards for flammability, toxicity, electric, and heating elements.
These labels provide important information and exist for good reason. Children below a certain age may be vulnerable to a hazard that cannot be easily identified without closely examining the toy. Some examples are small parts, magnets, or batteries. This is especially important when purchasing a toy online, as it can be difficult to examine all the components of the toy based on a written description.
Used and Pre-Owned Toys
Many toys are resold, given away to friends or family, or donated to charitable organizations that provide holiday gifts to children in need. If consumers are giving a pre-owned toy, there are a few checks they should perform to confirm it is safe for the next user.
- Does the toy have small parts, magnets, or batteries that could present a choking or swallowing hazard? Small batteries should be secured with a screw, not tape.
- Are there any sharp points or edges that could accidentally harm someone?
- Is there loose fabric on the toy that could be flammable or cause suffocation?
- If there is an electrical or heating element, does the cord have cracks or exposed wires?
- Does the toy have chipping paint that could be a lead hazard?
Other Considerations
- Gift givers should consider the entire household they are buying for. For example, an older child may have a younger sibling who could access a toy with small parts.
- If giving a gift like a bicycle, scooter, or hoverboard, consumers should consider including safety equipment. Safety equipment includes helmets or knee pads.
- Consumers can check for product recalls on new or used toys at SaferProducts.gov before playtime begins.
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