Important Toy Safety Information

Choosing and using toys wisely is an essential part of helping your child get the most out of toys and play. This information is based upon information provided by the National Toy Council, which is a forum setup by the British Toy and Hobby Association - BTHA to help our customers in selection of safe toys. This information gives guidelines on ensuring all play is safe play. The guidelines in this text are all based on comprehensive research.

Making sure that the toys you buy conform to safety standards that will not present a risk to your child is not difficult. Most toys on the British market today are carefully made and safe to play with. There are a number of organisations working to ensure safety standards are maintained, from the European Commission and British Government to trading standards officers, safety experts and the manufacturers themselves.

Choosing Safe Toys

Always go to a reputable shop, ideally one that is a member of the Toy Retailers Association (as we are at Over the Rainbow). You are more likely to get useful help and advice if you go to a specialist toy shop, the toy department of a large store or the toy selection of a major chain. Mail Order catalogues also provide a useful reference.

Check the packaging. There are three things to look out for:

The Lion Mark. This is a symbol of safety and quality backed up by a code of practice developed by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) and used only by members. Toys bearing the Lion Mark have been made to the highest standards currently in force in Britain and the EU (BS5665/BS EN 71).

Do not be confused by the CE mark. This symbol is purely a mark of conformity assisting the free movement of goods in the European Community. Where possible always look for the Lion Mark.

Small Parts. Little children can easily choke on small objects. The under 3’s are especially at risk because they put everything in their mouths to explore the shape and texture. It is impossible to watch your child all of the time. Even if you think that your child has understood your warning, a small toy can often prove tempting. A safety message, “not suitable for children under 36 months because of small parts” therefore must be taken literally. You will see the choking hazard image on an increasing number of toys and toy boxes. It is part of the label on toys which are safe and suitable for children over the ages of 3 years but unsafe for younger children. This means : Warning do not give to children less than 3 years old or allow them to play with it. Obviously you will know your own child and even if they are over 3 years old but you have concerns about a particular toy then play it safe and wait a few months to give them the toy. Finally remember the youngest member of the family. If you give a toy to a 5 year old that contains small parts please remember their 12 month old sibling crawling along the floor, hoovering up everything in sight.

Age Advice. Messages such as “recommended for children aged 3-4” or “play age 5-7” are discretionary guidelines. Age guidelines can help you decide if the toy will be fun and stimulating for your child. Remember what he or she enjoys at the moment and ensure that they have room to grow into the toy. If they can easily complete a 10 piece puzzle now try one with 25 pieces to ensure they are challenged and they get maximum play value and longevity from your purchase.

Check the Toy. If possible ask to see the toy out of the box and check that it is sturdy and well made. It is especially important to check over toys for babies and toddlers to check there are no small parts that come loose or seams that come apart.

Special Tips for Special Toys. Toys in cots. Once they can get on their hands and knees, babies can strangle on cot toys by falling on their neck across them. Around the age of 5 months and in plenty of time, take string toys out of the cot. Remove activity centres as soon as your baby can pull to stand to remove the risk of your baby climbing out.

For further information contact us by clicking here or visit any of the organisations below by clicking the links.

The National Toy Council is concerned with child welfare and promoting a sensible attitude to toys and play. Its members include representatives of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, British Toy and Hobby Association, National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries, The Trading Standards Institute, BBC Children’s Television, Kidscape, the national press, academics, retailers and toy safety experts.