Do you know your toy safety checklist and product recalls?

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

The health and safety of babies, toddlers and children is a priority at Tweddle. At this gift giving time of year, there are many toys that can be dangerous to a child, especially if they are not age-appropriate or if they are made from potentially harmful materials.

As a parent, you can evaluate your child’s toys by going over some simple steps to make sure they don’t present safety issues.

While toys contribute to the development of cognitive, motor, psychosocial, emotional, and linguistic skills, toy quality is also vital to the health and safety of children.

Tweddle has compiled a toy safety checklist with thanks to Product Safety Australia.

 Aquatic toys

Aquatic toys are not safety devices, so children must be supervised at all times when playing with these toys in the water.

Baby toys

Babies and young children can suffer a range of injuries from unsafe toys. Make sure you buy sturdy and well-made toys that can handle vigorous play by children.

Building blocks

Building blocks can provide young children with hours of creative play, but make sure there are no broken parts or brittle edges to avoid injury.

Dolls

Use our tips for buying and using dolls to help protect your child from cuts, splinters and choking hazards.

Inflatable toys, novelties & furniture

There is a permanent ban on the sale of inflatable toys, novelties and furniture that have loose beads or small particles inside the product, due to the risk of choking or suffocation for young children.

Magnetic toys & novelties

Magnets can be dangerous to children if swallowed. Regularly check that magnets are securely attached or embedded in the toy, and supervise young children when playing with magnetic toys.

Push-pull toys

Ensure that push-pull toys do not have long cords or strings that could pose a strangulation risk to young children, and check there are no sharp edges or exposed nails on the handles.

Stuffed toys

While many stuffed toys seem safe, if some parts of a toy are not attached securely, they can pose a choking risk for children.

Toy boxes

If using a toy box to pack away your child’s toys, follow our tips for buying and using toy boxes safely to prevent serious injury or entrapment.

Toys containing lead & other elements

It is vital that toys are free of lead and other dangerous elements that may harm children.

Cubby houses & tents

Children are at risk of a range of injuries when playing in cubby houses. Make sure you buy a cubby house that has adequate ventilation and that can be easily opened from the inside.

Balloon blowing kits

Some balloon blowing kits contain cancer-causing substances. Make sure you buy a kit that meets the mandatory safety standard.

Projectile toys

Children are at risk of serious eye injuries or from choking when playing with projectile toys. Always make sure children know how to play safely with these toys.

Yo-yo water balls

Yo-yo water balls pose a number of safety risks, including strangulation. There is a ban on these products being supplied in Australia.

Water expanding toys & products

Water expanding products can pose a choking hazard, always keep them out of reach of young children.

Toy & novelty knives

Children risk cuts and lacerations when playing with toy knives. Avoid buying toy knives, even if they’re specifically designed for children.

Toys containing button batteries

If swallowed, a button battery can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in catastrophic injuries and even death. Insertion of button batteries into body orifices such as ears and noses can also lead to significant injuries. Keep products with button batteries out of sight and out of reach of small children at all times.

Inflatable amusement products for home use

Inflatable amusement products for home use are a broad category of products intended for recreational use at home by either jumping, sliding or bouncing. There are many products that fall within this category, such as jumping castles, inflatable water slides and zorb balls.

Remember that the best toy for a child is a parent that gets down on the floor and plays with them!

For further information about product recalls visit www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls

Have a safe and happy festive period from everyone at Tweddle.