Toy Safety by Age: How to Choose Safe Toys for Babies and Toddlers
How to choose toys that suit your child’s age, what to avoid for babies and toddlers, and quick safety checks to do when a new toy arrives.
By The Shoishop team · · Updated · 2 min read
The best toy for a baby is one that is safe, simple and suited to their age. Age labels on toys are about safety, not just how clever the toy is, so follow them.
Toys by age
| Age | What suits them |
|---|---|
| 0–12 months | Soft rattles, teethers, high-contrast cards, soft books and play mats. Everything must be too big to swallow and safe to chew. |
| 1–3 years | Stacking and nesting toys, large blocks, push-and-pull toys, simple puzzles and board books. |
| 3 years and up | Pretend-play sets, larger puzzles and art supplies, with supervision for anything with small parts. |
What to avoid for children under three
- Small parts that could be swallowed. A common test: if a part fits inside an empty toilet-roll tube, it is too small for a young child.
- Button batteries and small magnets. These are very dangerous if swallowed, so battery compartments should be secured with a screw.
- Long strings or cords that could wrap around a neck.
- Sharp edges, points or parts that can snap off.
- Very loud toys held close to the ears.
When a new toy arrives
- Check the age range and any warnings on the label.
- Take off the packaging, tags and plastic bags and throw them away safely: they are not toys.
- Squeeze, pull and twist the toy to check that nothing comes loose.
- Wash it if the label says it is safe to do so.
Keep checking
Look over toys regularly. Throw away or repair anything cracked, chipped, torn or missing parts. Supervise play, and keep toys meant for older children away from little ones.
This guide is general safety information, not medical advice. If you think your child has swallowed something, seek medical help immediately.