Toys can provide endless hours of entertainment and fun but we do need to be careful about our choices. Take action now:
Safe toys:
- Only buy or use toys which have the CE safety mark on the toy or on its packaging.
- Some toys may also display the standard mark for toys, EN 71, highlighting that the toy meets the essential safety requirements of the European Toy Safety Directive.
- Make sure the toy is suitable for your child’s age and developmental stage – is there a younger child in the house who may be at danger if he/she plays with the toy?
- Be aware that older children may share unsuitable toys with younger children.
- Avoid toys with small parts - they are not suitable for younger children.
- Examine toys before you buy them:
- Check to see if there are any removable or detachable small parts, which could lodge in a child’s ears, nose or throat.
- Check that the toy has no sharp edges, parts that stick out, fastenings, long cords or cables
- Before you give the toy to your child, remove all packaging from and dispose of it carefully so that it is out of sight and reach of your child. Remember packaging can be a choking and suffocation danger.
- Read instructions carefully - pay attention to any warnings given - and keep all instructions in a safe place.
- Keep toys in good condition and discard broken toys.
Avoid trips and falls:
- When not in use, toys should be stored neatly in an area that will allow free passage through rooms.
- Store toys where children do not need to climb to reach them.
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission:
- Remember the Commission's advice:
- Look for the CE mark
- Pay attention to safety instructions
- Pay attention to any warnings on the product
- If you come across a toy that seems unsafe or doesn’t have a CE mark, don’t buy it and contact the Commission's consumer helpline on 1890 432 432.
- Get more tips from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on buying and using toys and play equipment.
- The Commission warns that hoverboards pose serious safety risk advises consumers to be on their guard when purchasing them. Consumers should only buy items which can be verified as safe. For advice go to www.consumerhelp.ie (Jan 2016). Click here for all products recalled by the Commission.
Further information:
- Read our information leaflet Child Safety and Toys (A4 page).
- Read the the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's booklets, A guide to toy safety and Toys and Play Equipment Safety.
- This video from TIE (Toy Industries of Europe) highlights twelve of their top tips to help keep children safe during play. These are actions such as, buying toys from trustworthy retailers, who you know will accept returns on faulty goods; paying attention to age labels; making sure toys are used as intended; supervising play and even tidying up toys!
Click here for Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Product Recalls (due to safety concerns).
Most unintentional injuries (often called accidents) can be prevented:
Remember the key message where child safety is concerned -
Watch your child at all times, as children do not understand danger
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