Baby toys

Babies and young children can suffer a range of injuries from unsafe toys. Make sure you buy sturdy and well-made toys that can handle vigorous play by children.

About baby toys

Baby toys include:

  • rattles, teethers and squeeze toys
  • bath toys
  • stuffed toys
  • push and pull toys
  • blocks and stacking toys
  • rocking horses
  • ride-on toys
  • games and puzzles
  • battery operated and electric toys
  • cars, trucks and other vehicles.

Risks and injuries

Babies and young children often place toys in their mouth to explore them by sucking and chewing on them, which makes them more vulnerable to choking than older children.

Babies and young children can:

  • suffer serious internal injuries if they swallow small parts
  • strangle on cords, ribbons and elastic longer than 22cm
  • drown if unsupervised while using flotation toys
  • suffer cuts and wounds from toys that have sharp edges.

Buying tips

  • Choose sturdy and well-made toys that can stand up to being bitten, tugged, sucked, jumped on and thrown around without falling apart.
  • Check for any age grading label that states the suitability of the toy for children under 36 months of age.

Safe use

  • Read all labels and instructions about assembly, use and supervision.
  • Immediately dispose of any plastic packaging on toys to remove the risk of suffocation.
  • Never give children under three years of age any toys that have small parts, or small objects such as coins, batteries and screws. Keep toys for older children separate and away from a young child’s reach.
  • Always check your child’s toys to ensure they are not broken or falling apart. If they are, dispose of them immediately.
  • Remove mobiles and toys attached to a cot, playpen or pram when babies begin to push up on their hands and knees.

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