| Things to remember when buying toys for children | | | | with small parts are kept out of the reach of children |
| Age is the most important thing to consider when | | | | under three. Supervise young children when they're |
| buying toys. Toys should be age categorised so that | | | | playing. |
| it is safe for the child to play with. Small parts are | | | | Check toys when you put them away. Any that |
| choke hazards and this is the most frequent reason a | | | | have become damaged or dirty should be repaired or |
| toy is not suitable for younger children. | | | | cleaned or thrown away. Check for hair that comes |
| Toys that are of an older age category might also | | | | out and any edges that might have become sharp. If |
| be less fun for a child. Complicated toys will turn | | | | in doubt remove the toy until you get a chance to |
| quickly into boring toys never to be played with again | | | | do a repair. |
| even when the child is the right age. | | | | Outdoor toys can present hazards such as falling. |
| Watch out for labels such as a CE mark, a kite mark | | | | Ensure the ground has an appropriate covering on |
| or a lion mark. These indicate that the toy is safe. | | | | such as wood chip bark to the right depth. Check |
| Some ornamental products are often confused with | | | | that swings and slides are not a strangulation hazard |
| toys and these can be dangerous as they will not | | | | (Where a child's head might get stuck for instance). |
| meet standards for safety. If it says not for children | | | | Use safety equipment where needed such as barriers |
| then keep it out of the reach of children. | | | | on trampolines. |
| Top safety tips for toys: | | | | Follow the instructions on toys. Read the leaflets and |
| Buy toys from proper shops only. Avoid dodgy deals | | | | warnings that come with toys. Keep these safe. |
| done on market stalls where the price looks to good | | | | Ensure all adults get to read these leaflets. |
| to be true. | | | | Keep play areas clean and tidy. This will help you spot |
| Always check the age range and make sure it's | | | | any damaged toys more quickly. |
| suitable for the child it's going to be played with. | | | | When toys need batteries always check they are |
| Watch out when you buy toys for children under | | | | put in correctly. Remove batteries from toys that |
| three. The age limits on toys is there for a reason | | | | are being put away so there is no chance of leaking |
| and young children are more prone to choking | | | | batteries damaging toys. Batteries can also be a |
| hazards. | | | | choking hazard. Ensure that screwed battery |
| When younger children play with older children's toys | | | | compartments are kept screwed shut. |
| you should pay particular attention. Make sure toys | | | | |