Toy safety

Parents and caregivers must make sure that children's play is as safe as possible, by choosing toys and props for leisure and recreation in accordance with the child's age and motor skills, teaching the child how to use them safely and continuously supervising young children during play.
  • Toys should be age-appropriate - always choose those that are suitable for the child's age and psychomotor abilities. Read all warnings, safety messages and manufacturer's instructions carefully.
  • Take care of toy size - it should be suitable for the child's age. Babies and young children should not be allowed to play with toys that they can swallow (smaller or with parts smaller than children's mouths). Large toys and props for playing outdoors (pushers, scooters, bicycles, etc.) should be used by the child under the constant supervision of parents.
  • After opening a new toy, immediately throw away all the packaging (wrappers, bags, plastic parts, film, etc.) with which the child can suffocate or choke.
  • Pay attention to the integrity of the toys - for younger children, avoid buying toys with sharp edges, for older children, regularly check that the toys do not have broken parts or sharp edges that could injure the child. Repair or discard any damaged toys immediately.
  • Pay attention to toxicity - play props and drawing supplies (felt-tip pens, crayons, etc.) may contain substances harmful to the child's health - try to buy those that are labelled as non-toxic.
  • Take care of the cleanliness of toys - toys for babies and young children should be cleaned regularly, because they put almost everything they come across in their mouths or touch their lips. Wash plush toys regularly because of the dust that accumulates in them. Regularly clean all toys and props used for outdoor play (balls, scooters, bicycles, etc.)
  • Store and keep toys safely:  
    • Keep all toys, especially soft ones, away from open heat sources.
    • Toys of older and younger children should be kept separate.
    • Keep all toys with small parts (building blocks, puzzles, etc.) out of the reach and sight of a young child.
    • Do not store toys in places (high shelves, etc.) from which the child could fall in an attempt to reach them.
    • Keep toys in boxes that do not have a lid or those with a light lid, which cannot injure a child if it falls on him/her.

Do not store toys in places where children can enter and remain trapped (wooden or metal boxes with lids, etc.) as the child may suffocate in them.