Tara McPherson Corporate Wellness Team Lead View Bio

Making children smile with a new toy brings a lot of joy to parents and relatives during the holidays.

Before giving a new toy to a child, be sure to be aware of safety guidelines as not all toys may be suitable for all children.

Review the following guidance to select a toy that best fits a child’s age and developmental progression.

Toy Safety Standards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires toy manufacturers to meet specific safety standards and label products according to these specifications.

Here are some suggestions of toys to avoid for children of various ages.

  • Under 3 Years
    • Toys with small parts that are 1 ¾-inches or less in size, as these items can be easily swallowed or inserted into noses and ears
    • Toys with ribbons and straps that can strangle children or toys with sharp edges and points
  • Ages 3-5
    • Toys made of plastic that can easily break into smaller pieces
    • Toxic art supplies that are not designed for use by children
  • Ages 6-8
    • Toys that can break or that possess potential choking hazards
  • Ages 9-12
    • Toys that are too dangerous for children to operate, such as a BB gun or slingshot

Look at the Label

Fortunately for consumers, toy manufacturers design product labels to reduce the guesswork for adults when they are trying to purchase a safe toy. That being said, always read the toy label before making your purchase.

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