Ensure that push-pull toys do not have long cords or strings that could pose a strangulation risk to young children, and check there are no sharp edges or exposed nails on the handles.
About push-pull toys
Push-pull toys are designed for young children when they become more mobile and take an active interest in exploring their surroundings. Toys that children can push or pull along include items attached to a cord or a rigid handle such as a walking trolley with blocks or a toy stroller.
Risks and injuries
When using these toys, children can suffer:
- strangulation if they become tangled in long cords or strings.
- cuts or stabbing wounds caused by sharp ends or exposed nails on the handles
- cuts from thin strings or cords that can cut through the skin.
Buying tips
- Check there are no long cords, sharp edges, exposed nails or thin cords on the push-pull toy.
- Check that rigid handles on push along toys are solid, do not come off easily and have no sharp edges.
- Ensure that removal or loss of a handle will not reveal a sharp point or edge, and the cover is not small enough to choke on.
- Check that crossbars on handles are firmly attached to the bar leading from the toy. Nails should not be used to attach them, exposed nails could form a sharp cutting edge.
- Ensure axles are properly attached to the toy and the wheels firmly attached to the axles. Removing a wheel or an axle should not produce a dangerous sharp point that could pierce the skin.
Safe use
- For children 18 months old or younger, ensure the pull string is shorter than 22cm. Strings longer than this can form a loop and become a strangulation risk.
- For children aged 18 to 36 months old, cords that are longer than 22cm should not have beads or other attachments that could tangle to form a loop or noose.
- Any string or cord attached to a toy should be at least 1.5mm thick to avoid cuts to children.
