Toy Safety

It is a challenge to choose toys that are safe and also enjoyable for children. These suggestions can help you make the right choice when selecting a toy.
- Select toys to suit a child's age, abilities, skills and interests,
- Follow the manufacturer's suggested age levels. Age recommendations are provided for developmental and safety reasons.
- Watch for small parts: Do not give toys with small parts to infants and toddlers, they pose as choking hazards.
- Inspect toys for solid construction: They should be made of durable materials, have no sharp edges or points and be able to withstand impact.
- Keep batteries away from children; Make sure batteries are locked securely in the toy. They can easily be swallowed and cause severe burns resulting in serious complications. If a button batteryis swallowed, it must be removed within 2 hours. Go to a pediatric emergency department immediately.
- Watch the action: Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Slingshots and high-powered water guns can cause injuries. BB guns should not be considered toys.
- Check stuffed animals: The eyes, noses and other small parts of stuffed animals should be securely fastened.
- Check noise level: Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noise to avoid serious ear injury.
- Avoid toys with electric heating elements. They may cause burns to a child.
- Toss or repair damaged toys.
- Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger ones.
- Discard wrappings immediately. Sharp staples, wires and plastic bags can cause injuries and pose safety hazards. Put away scissors immediately after use.
- Make a list of safety rules. Share them with your children and their friends. Do not let children play with toys in dangerous ways.
- Check product recalls and safety information on Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety website.
Each year Protégez-vous publishes a review of different games and toys tested by children and their parents. For more of details, visit www.protegez-vous.ca
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Reviewed by Trauma specialists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Last updated: july 2020
Last updated: july 2020