Most children’s toys in the UK are actually very safe and accidents tend to happen either where a young child is given or gets hold of a toy that is intended for an older child, or as a result of toys being left out and tripped over.

Nevertheless, accidents can and do happen. By putting a few safety measures in place parents and carers can help to protect children from having an accident with a toy.

The four golden rules

• Buy safe toys and equipment for children

Choose only quality toys from shops you know. A cheap toy, isn’t a bargain if someone gets hurt. Don’t buy new or second-hand toys, for example from car boot sales, without checking very carefully.

• Buy toys and equipment for the right age

A safe toy or piece of equipment can become a danger if it’s in the hands of too young a child. Read the label and follow the advice. Young children can choke on toys with small parts, on marbles, even balloons. Watch out for children playing with toys meant for older brothers or sisters.

• Throw away broken toys and equipment

Throw away any broken toys or equipment. It’s not charity to give them to others – it just passes your accident to someone else.

• Keep toys and equipment tidy

Lots of nasty accidents are caused by people falling over toys and equipment left lying around. Put them away somewhere safe.

Choosing safe toys

• Always try and buy from a specialist toy shop or a well known high street chain.
• Avoid markets or temporary shops. Second hand shops are not recommended. A toy library can be a safer option – speak to your health visitor or Children’s Centre for more information.
• Ask for advice from the sales staff if you are not sure what to buy and look for safety and age warnings on any product.
• Check the toy to make sure it is well made and will withstand your child playing with them.

Understanding marks on toys

• Age warning symbols show that a toy is not safe for children under three years old. A warning is often given because toys contain small parts that a baby or young toddler could choke on. These warnings are different to age guidance.
• The Lion Mark is a good way of finding a safe toy. Toys with this mark have been made to the highest standards of safety and quality and the mark is used by members of the British Toy and Hobby Association.
• You might also see the CE mark on toys. This mark is required by law on all toys sold within the European Union. However, it is not an indication of quality or safety.

For more information about choosing safe toys for your child see the download leaflet from the Child Accident Prevention Trust below ‘How safe are your child’s toys?’.

Trading Standards and Consumer Direct (see links below) can also give you advice and information about a range of other safety issues which can affect your child.

These include:

• Furniture
• Nightwear
• Safety regulations
• Dangerous goods
• Underage sales
• Counterfeit goods
• Food Labeling
• How to make complaints and report faulty goods

Consumer Direct provide advice and information for consumers in the UK. They can also assist with any complaints about a trader, shop or product you have bought.

Tel: 08454 04 05 06

Minicom Tel: 08451 28 13 84

Or visit their website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

For information about Trading Standards visit the Brighton & Hove City Council website and search for Trading Standards, www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/. Alternatively you can visit the National Trading Standards website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/.

Downloads

How safe are your child’s toys?: A leaflet from the Child Accident Prevention Trust which gives you more information and advice about choosing toys for your child.

How many accidents are caused by toys?: This factsheet from the Child Accident Prevention Trust gives you information and facts about the number of accidents which happen in the UK to children caused by toys and equipment.

Links

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/

Visit the Brighton & Hove City Council website and search for Trading Standards to get local information and advice about safety issues to do with toys, equipment and consumer issues in the city.

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

The Trading Standards website is a one stop shop for consumer protection information in the UK. This site provides a wealth of information for consumers about a range of issues such as consumer rights, guarantees and warranties, shopping on the internet and much more.

www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Consumer Direct provide advice and information for consumers in the UK. They can also assist with any complaints about a trader, shop or product you have bought.

www.dti.gov.uk

The Department of Trade and Industry website can also provide you with a range of information about consumer matters. The can especially provide you with information about rules, law and safety regulations for the UK.

www.capt.org.uk/

The Child Accident Prevention Trust website provides parents and carers with a range of advice and information about all sorts of safety issues from the home, public places, road safety and consumer goods.