Useful advice on baby toy safety including information on child safety symbols and regulations.Discuss toy safety on our forums, right now! Or, post a comment below.Each year toys are involved in thousands of accidents so it is essential to take care when purchasing new toys and when leaving toys around the home. Due to the strict regulations imposed on toy manufacturers, the safety of toys themselves isn't the major problem. Instead, the majority of accidents occur when toys are left lying around the home and when young children have access to toys designed for older children. When purchasing a toy you should always ensure that it carries a CE or Lion Mark, both of which signify toy quality and its adherence to toy safety regulations. It is important to be aware that if a toy does not carry one of these marks, it may be designed as a novelty item and not be safe for children. Additionally, you should always check the age range displayed on the toy's packaging and only ever allow children access to a toy once they are above the minimum age range specified. To help keep your children safe here are some toy safety tips...... - Check toys thoroughly for small, removable parts before giving to children (especially those under 3)
- Never allow a child under 3 years of age access to a toy, or a toy with components that could fit in a 35mm camera film container
- Never give children under 6 balloons, small balls or marbles
- Keep all magnets and toys with magnetic components away from children under 6 years of age (as if 2 or more are swallowed they could cause internal damage).
- Do not allow children to play with toys made of fluffy fabric or 'hair' that can easily be sucked, chewed or pulled out
- Avoid giving children under 6 toys with long ribbons or ropes attached
- Ensure children use the appropriate safety gear when on a bike, skateboard or roller skates
- Regularly check the condition of your children's toys and dispose of any showing signs of wear and tear
- Always make sure older children tidy their toys away after use as tripping is one of the most common household accidents
- Encourage your children to play with just one toy at a time
By taking the above safety tips into consideration and providing your children with constant supervision whilst they are playing, the risk of toy related accidents will be minimised. | 
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