what2ask
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Toys - what to ask before you buy
When you're buying toys, know what to ask before you buy. Look for those that are safe, age appropriate, durable, and simple.
Click on a question below for more information.
- Safety: Is the toy safe?
- Parts: Is the toy a choking hazard?
- Cleaning: Is the toy washable?
- Durability: How durable is the toy?
- Age group: Is the toy suitable for the age group?
- Moving parts: Does the toy have moving parts?
- Noise: Is the toy noisy?
- Ride-on toys: Is a ride-on toy safe?
- Unattended play: Is it safe for the child to play with the toy unattended?
1. Is the toy safe? 
- Check for sharp edges or any part of the toy that could cause a cut or injury.
- Check that cuddly toys have strong seams and eyes that won't come off.
- If the toy has parts that fly (e.g. rings, darts with rubber suction caps, toy planes etc.) make sure they are not dangerous if they hit someone in the eye. They should be of soft material and in a single piece.
- Does the paint on the toy contain lead or cadmium? Lustrous and bright colours are most risky - check for a standards compliance tag for painted toys.
- Does the plastic contain phthalates? If so, they should be kept away from the hands and mouths of young children. They are being phased out in Europe and the U.S. because of health concerns.
- If the toy covers the face (e.g. a mask, helmet etc.) make sure the child can breathe easily when using the toy.
- Make sure cubby houses and tents should be of a material that will not injure or suffocate the child if the structure collapses.
- Toys should comply with Australian Standard 8124/International Standard 8124, depending on the type of toy.
2. Is the toy a choking hazard?
If the parts fit into a standard 35mm film container, they have the potential to choke a child.
3. Is the toy washable?
This is especially important for toys for babies.
4. How durable is the toy?
Generally a cheap toy won't last as long as a more expensive one, but make sure it doesn't have things that can break off or wear out or be eaten by young kids!
5. Is the toy suitable for the age group?
Products with small parts that may be a choking hazard should have a label indicating they are not suitable for children under three years of age. Anything that fits into a 35mm film container could potentially choke a young child. Age suitability indicators on the packaging relate to the safety of the product.
6. Does the toy have moving parts?
Anything with holes or moving parts should be checked to make sure the child's fingers or toes can't get caught in the toy.
7. Is the toy noisy?
Loud noises from toys held near the ear may cause hearing damage. Also, they may really annoy the parent or guardian of the child!
8. Is a ride-on toy safe?
- Check if the toy can be easily stopped if it rolls down a slope.
- Bikes and trikes should have brakes that can be operated by the child.
9. Is it safe for the child to play with the toy unattended?
The unthinkable can happen. At least make sure the toy is safe in all situations that are likely to arise.
