Did you know that every year 2,500 children under three years report to the emergency units in Australia as a result of toy hazards?  It’s pretty alarming given that we still have toy safety issues among preschoolers and older kids too.  Fortunately, to address the numerous issues of choking and suffocation, mandatory toy safety standards have since been established.

But, bearing in mind there’s actually no law in Australia prohibiting the sale of unsafe goods, where does this leave kids older than three years? As a parent or guardian, the best thing is to always be on the lookout for any toy safety concerns before buying a toy for your child.

While toy safety might be the last thing you think of - especially when your little one insists on a specific toy - we can’t overemphasise how important it is to thoroughly inspect every toy before purchasing it.

Common Types of Toy Hazards By Age Group

As children grow, the types of toy hazards change. In this article, we look at the most common hazards to watch out for and how they change with age.

0 – 1-Year-Old Toy Hazards

At this early age, your child is just starting to move around so may not play as such.  However, as they grow older, they become super curious and tend to put everything they find into their mouths. As a result, choking from toys is one of the most likely hazards for this age group.

If you have a child in this age bracket, ensure their toys (and any toy components) aren’t small enough to fit into their mouth. Also, avoid toys with small parts like button batteries.  These don’t only pose a choking risk, but can also cause serious burns and injuries if your child accidentally swallows or puts them in the nose.

Toys with magnets are also a no-go-zone for children under one year.  If swallowed, the child risks suffering from an infection, tear, or even obstruction of their inner organs.

Stringed toys meant to entertain babies in cribs are also a hazard that can lead to strangulation.  Avoid toys with lengths of rope or ribbon and do not use soft toys in cots when your infant is sleeping.

1 – 3-Years-Old Toy Hazards

Toddlers are sweet and cute until they do the unimaginable.  Their exploratory nature, while great for their development, can be detrimental to their health if we aren’t careful.  At this stage, you can’t afford to relax - even for a moment - because you might be in for a shock.

Even though they’re a little older, toddlers love experimenting with stuff even if it means squeezing something into their nose or ear. That’s why you still need to avoid toys with small parts - like button batteries - until your child is old enough to understand what they can and can’t do with each toy.

Because toddlers are fascinated by tasting and trying everything they touch, it’s important to ensure their toys and art supplies are non-toxic.  Look for toxicity certifications to guarantee the products you’re using are free from toxins including lead, phthalates, bisphenol and cadmium.  It’s also worth considering toys that are washable to minimise the transfer of germs during this phase.

At this age, kids are very active and their toys are more advanced. That said, the child might still not foresee any danger, hence the need to be watchful when buying every toy.  For instance, push-and-pull toys are a favourite for kids but if they have sharp edges, a child might get injured.  The strings, if too long, could also cause strangulation and cut through the child’s skin during play.  The safest push-and-pull toys have strings that are at least 1.5mm thick and measure 22cm or less in length.

Children naturally love playing with water and toddlers are no exception. A great way to keep them happy and relaxed - especially during Summer - is to let them play in portable pools. However, you must remain close to them and supervise their play because drowning can happen in a second if nobody is supervising the child.

4 – 9-Years-Old Toy Hazards

At this age, children are more independent but that doesn’t exempt them from toy-related injuries. Wheeled toys like bikes, skates and scooters are common among kids in this age bracket.  However, parents must ensure the safety of their kids by insisting they have protective gear like helmets, knee-guards and elbow-guards when using wheeled toys. You must also ensure that kids only ride in safe places - not on busy roads - to avoid common hazards like broken limbs and bruises from falling.

Children love trampolines but they’re notorious for toy-related accidents. Falling off the trampoline may cause fractures, sprains and broken arms and legs.  If several children are playing on the trampoline, they may collide and get injured.  Injuries may also occur as kids try various stunts only to land incorrectly.

Projectile toys might seem like a lot of fun for children in this age bracket but they can cause eye injuries and are best avoided.  At the very least, safety goggles should be worn.

Toy Safety Guidelines

Before buying any toy, always bear in mind your child's safety. Ask yourself if the toy is age-appropriate, check for potential risks and pay attention to warning labels.  For younger children, keep them away from any toys with small parts.  Also, remember to clean the toys frequently to avoid infections.

If you have children in different age brackets, separate their toys so that the smaller children don’t play with toys that could endanger their lives.  Also, remember to be on the lookout for lead-painted toys as lead has been found to cause irreversible conditions in children.  According to WHO, children are more vulnerable as they absorb more lead than adults due to their hand-to-mouth activities.

Choose Non-Toxic Products For Kids

At Little Change Creators, we take children's safety seriously and are candid about the elements that make up our colouring sets.  Our toys are made from natural elements that are non-toxic and FDA-approved.

Our silicone mats, for instance, are made from premium food-grade silicone that’s free of chemicals such as lead, PVC, BPS and BPA.  The mats are also recyclable and long-lasting to leave as little footprint as possible. When subjected to heat, they don’t emit chemicals that could harm your little ones.  Additionally, they are washable, ensuring maximum hygiene levels during playtime.

Buying Safe Toys For Children

When buying any toy, check the labelling for cautionary warnings.  If it’s indicated that the toy isn’t recommended for children under a certain age, avoid buying it for the safety of your child.  Always be sure that whatever you give your child won’t impact their health negatively.