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Keeping your child safe around toys

Just because you can buy a toy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is 100% safe for your child. Here are some things to look out for when purchasing toys for your child:

Toy safety marks

No safety for under 3 years sign

Keep an eye out for age guides too, the above symbol means a toy is not suitable for children up to 3 years of age. From 0 – 3 years of age, children like to explore their environment with their mouths, so some toys with small parts are not suitable as they can be a choking hazard.

Remember to use your instincts when buying a toy, just because a toy has all of the correct markings, doesn’t necessarily mean the toy is safe for your child. These markings can be faked, or you might feel that the toy still presents a safety hazard to your child; for example if it contains small parts or fur.

Children playing with play clay in classroom

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Page last reviewed: 21-01-2025

Next review due: 21-01-2028