Safe toys for a child: how to choose and what to pay attention to?
For a child to develop properly, they need toys that are appropriate for their age. They should not replace the time devoted by parents, but can help in developing curiosity, perceptiveness or simply motor skills of a little person. When shopping, remember that toys give children much more than just fun - they help them discover the world!
When we choose dolls, blocks or games for our children, we are looking for something unique, attractive, something that will make them happy. We should then take into account the interests and preferences of our children and the value that a given toy can bring to their lives. The perfect toy it's one that will joy the child and will help him develop and gain new skills. For that to be the case, it should first and foremost be matched to century toddler. This is closely related to its developmental abilities: cognitive, emotional, and directly to the skills at various stages of development.
By offering a small child too ambitious toys intended for older children, you may miss the perception skills developed in the toddler. Too many elements, a very complex toy mechanism, too detailed pictures, unattractive colors, etc. are a set of features that will not only accelerate the development of a toddler, but also discourage him from playing. For example, when buying toy cars for babies, keep in mind that they should be in the form of a soft mascot, not a metal toy on wheels.
Safe toys for children - what should you pay attention to?
Check that the toy:
- it is adapted to the age of the child - appropriately marked (toy safety markings, eg Safe Toys), especially in the range 0-3, in which the manufacturer should specify the child's age (giving it in months of life);
- it is carefully made;
- it has the markings, eg EN71 certificate and others, about which we write in the text;
- the aforementioned markings are not intended to mislead buyers.
How to choose safe toys for children:
First, pay attention to age destiny declared by the manufacturer on the packaging. If it matches the age of your child, then check the toy and evaluate it in terms of it safety. Look at the packaging and follow the labels for information and markings. The symbols that are there may not tell you much, so we suggest how to check who and on what basis guarantees that the products meet the requirements of safe toys for children.
Using the example of simple toys, we can show that depending on the age of the child - it will be perceived as safe under different character. We are talking here about toy cars, for example. And in this case - when we think about baby cars, a soft mascot, devoid of small elements, certainly comes to mind. We will say something else when you think about an older child - then the selection of available toys increases - from tippers to various models of resilient springs.
Expert advises
When buying safe toys for children, it is worth using stationary stores. Even the best product description in an online store will not replace a skilled and foreseeable parent's eye. Let's read the labels, look for age markings of the toy user, and rely on specialists who, when recommending a given product for children of the appropriate age, know their needs and development possibilities.
How to responsibly buy safe toys for children?
The best solution in this case would be careful look the toy you want to buy. However, this is usually not possible as they are sold packaged. It is worth adding that since 2011, the amended ones have been in force in Poland lawwhich require manufacturers and importers to affix instructions and appropriate labeling. What to look for on the labels and how to read this information? Below you will find a few words about toy safety symbols.
Toy safety symbols
She is very helpful while shopping knowledge of the appropriate markings and symbolswhich the manufacturer should legally place on the products. This is especially important when you cannot touch and examine the toy in detail. Below we present why it is worth paying attention to the presence of certificates and markings, such as Safe Toys or EN71 certificate.
The most important symbols are:
- CE mark - each toy sold within the European Union must bear this marking, and it is the manufacturer's declaration. Indicates the compliance of the product with European standards. You should be extremely careful with this sign, as it is often counterfeited.
- EN71 certificate - means compliance with European law. This mark is placed on products that have obtained EN71 certificate, issued by institutions independent of the manufacturer. In detail, EN71 certificate means compliance with the so-called standard. toy.
- FairTrade mark - it is awarded by organizations affiliated to Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). It proves that the toy was produced with respect for employee rights.
- GOTS certificate - was created by the International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard. The GOTS certificate is a mark for a product that is made entirely of natural raw materials and textiles, and no pesticides or other toxic chemicals have been used in its production. When you buy a GOTS-certified product, you can be sure that it is made of natural materials that are safe for your health.
- Znak FSC - proves that the toy was made of wood obtained with respect for the natural environment. This certificate is issued by the international public benefit organization (Forest Stewardship Council®), committed to sustainable forest management. Together with the PEFC certificate, they mean that production takes place with care for the natural environment.
- Certificate PEFC - is awarded by The Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification. Among other things, it says that the toy was made of ecological wood. If we care about ecology, when shopping, it is worth paying attention to whether the toy or its packaging is PEFC-certified.
- Character 0-3 - crossed out: manufacturer's declaration that the toy is not suitable for a child under 3 years of age.
- GS mark - the abbreviation comes from the words "Geprüfte Sicherheit" (German: proven safety) and proves that the toy has been tested only in accredited testing laboratories. This certificate guarantees that the product meets the requirements of legal regulations and the manufacturer.
- Znak TUV GS - ensures that the product has been tested by the TÜV Rheinland laboratory and complies with the requirements of the GS marking.
- Znak Safe Toys - it is a safety certificate issued by an independent Testing and Certification Institute (Italy). By choosing a toy marked with Safe Toys, you can be sure that it has been assigned the correct age rating and verified for the presence of all chemical and microbiological hazards. As a parent, before buying a toy, be sure to pay attention to the information about the safety certificate issued by Safe Toys.
- Sign of the National Institute of Hygiene - informs that the product meets the hygiene requirements and standards applicable in Poland. It is not obligatory for producers, but it is especially welcome with products for children.
- ASTM F963 – an American toy safety standard applicable to the US market. It specifies detailed requirements regarding, among other things, the mechanical and physical properties of toys, their durability, and the presence and migration of selected chemical substances. This standard applies primarily to toys manufactured for the US market or imported from the US, but does not replace the CE marking, which is mandatory in the EU.
- ISO 8124 – an international toy safety standard used in many countries around the world. Its scope is similar to the European standard EN 71 and covers requirements for mechanical, physical, and chemical safety, among other things. Compliance with ISO 8124 may indicate that a toy is designed in accordance with global safety standards, although—as with ASTM F963—it does not relieve the manufacturer of the obligation to comply with EU law.
- The sign of the Institute of Mother and Child - informs that the toy has been thoroughly checked by a team of experts (specialists in developmental medicine, psychologists and educators) in terms of children's developmental safety. The opinion of the Institute confirms that the compliance with the standard declared by the manufacturer is actually true. By choosing a toy with the logo of the Positive Opinion of the Institute of Mother and Child, you can be sure that the origin of the raw materials, the production process, the non-toxicity of the dyes and materials used, the possibility of keeping clean, washing and disinfecting necessary for children's products were checked during the tests. Experts also thoroughly verified the quality and diligence of workmanship, and then conducted research on a group of users.
How do producers mislead the consumer?
On the packaging of all toys sold on the premises European Union, and therefore also in Poland, it is obligatory to affix the "CE" mark. It has become established in the minds of buyers that it is manufacturer's certificate of compliance with applicable regulations, incl. EU standards. The CE marking may be the manufacturer's declaration, the basis of which are the documents and tests he possesses, confirming the safety of the toy or his assurance that the product meets all legal requirements.
However, a similar sign "China Export" it also appears on toys imported from China that in any way do not fulfill standards and regulations in force in Europe. Therefore, when searching for safe toys for children, you should keep stepping up vigilance.
Safety symbols - how to distinguish?
It is worth paying attention to the sign "China Export", which has equal letters placed very close together. On the other hand, the obligatory "CE" for toys are letters placed in a certain one from each other distances. In addition, note that in the "E" in the "CE" marking, the middle beam is shorter than the others.
Little ones - special attention regarding toy safety symbols
There is often a graphic symbol on the products - crossed out 0-3, which suggests that it is a toy is not aimed at children in this age range, but for those over three years of age. When buying toys for the youngest children, please return special attention on what you choose. An additional advantage is the presence of the Safe Toys mark and other safety certificates.
Expert advises
The Institute's experts often consult toys that were questioned during a market inspection conducted by the Office of Competition and Consumers. Dishonest producers put a crossed mark 0-3 on them, despite the fact that the toy is intended for children from this group. In this way, they want to hide the poor quality of workmanship and the terrible design, thanks to which the product should absolutely not find its way into the hands of the youngest children. At first glance, you can see that the toy was created specifically for children from this age category, but due to the above, it can be very dangerous for them. An example can be rattles aimed at the youngest. There are products marked with a crossed-out 0-3 sign, because they have sharp edges or their parts are easily separated from each other. Such toys pose a risk to children and should be eliminated from the market.
Look for such toys that they do not contain small, separable elements in their structure - there is a risk that the child will put a smaller part into its mouth while playing. Therefore, for example, cars for babies in the version of small, metal cars may turn out to be a threat to the toddler.
Necessarily check what and how the toy is made - if it is possible, run your hand and see if the edges are smooth or properly finished. Also, avoid protruding and sharp details that may cause injury. If the toy is interactive, e.g. it reacts when pressed, check first if it is not dangerous: it is not too fast, it will not scare the toddler and if it has a volume control.
Safe toys for the child
It is a natural need of young children, as a result of these stages of development, to put various objects in their mouths and chew on them. For this reason, it would be worth making sure that the manufacturer did not use harmful or easily washable materials. Of course, this issue is declared by the manufacturer as part of the CE marking. There is no separate marking on the packages that would identify the product as completely safe in this respect. However, in view of the intended similarity of the CE mark to the China Export mark, as mentioned above, it belongs to the matter of materialsof which the product is made, Pay special attention.
Institutions recommending products for children
Institute of Mother and Child carefully checks the toys in this regard. Those that received our positive opinion are marked with a special one logo. . If you don't find it on the packaging, be alert to the smells emitted by the toy. Unpleasant, "chemical" smell should dissuade you from buying. Avoid products with suspicious odors, they may turn out to be dangerous for your children.
Safe toys for babies
Toys for the youngest (especially up to 1 year old) should be easy to clean, wash and disinfect. Plastic, wood and metal can be easily washed with soap and water and dried. You need all the mascots and stuffed animals every now and then wash using powders and liquids for washing children's underwear. Toys for older children can be periodically cleaned with a dishwasher, without the use of chemicals.
Also, make sure toys do not have long strings and loops that could become wrapped around your child's neck. In the case of toys such as toy cars for babies - make sure that they do not consist of easily detachable elements. Nor can they be too loud or busy. More technologically advanced toys or even sports equipment for children (e.g. scooters, bicycles, etc.) should be accompanied by detailed instructions that may facilitate the safety assessment. Of course, you also need to be careful here, because the manual is not always available in Polish (although the manufacturer of the toy or equipment is obliged to do so).
If you find that the toy you have purchased presents a certain risk, you can inform Trade Inspection and/ or the office of Competition and Consumer Protection. Regardless of the notification, you can also return the toy to the store, because you have the right to do so.
Warning! You should never let your child play with packaging because, for example, plastic bags are themselves danger.
Conscious decision: safe toys for children
An old proverb says "prevention is better than cure." They can be successfully used in this case as well. Take advantage of the advice provided by the Institute's experts. Check what you buy and be aware that you have made every effort to choose the right toy in every respect. When choosing, be also guided by care for the natural environment and ecology (which will be helped by the selection of products with labels such as, for example: GOTS certificate or PEFC certificate).
Remember that your best bet is participation in play with the child. Nothing can replace a responsible, attentive and anticipatory parent who can prevent a possible event with negative consequences for the child. Having fun together, time together together it is an investment in awakening the toddler's curiosity, inquisitiveness, analysis and synthesis skills, as well as inference - needed at every next stage of his life. It is worth remembering this.
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