Baby Toy Safety

Although children's toys are fun, it's important to choose toys that are age-appropriate and safe. Toys should be clean and in good condition. You should avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or inhaled. Toys must also be safe for your baby's hands and feet. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right toys for your child. Don't hesitate to share them with anyone who might be interested in buying your child a toy!

• Keep an eye on the children. In general, it's always best to keep the children's play area tidy and to supervise children when they're playing. If there are warnings or special instructions on toys and games, always follow them.

• Check that the toy is suitable for your child. Check the age range indicated on the packaging. Is the toy suitable for your child's abilities? Most toys are labeled with an age recommendation, which may already determine your choice. Be realistic about your child's abilities and maturity when choosing an age-appropriate toy. Some toys are designed to be thrown or have projectiles that are not suitable for children under 4. Even some 6-year-olds don't have the maturity to handle these toys. If your 4-year-old continues to put everything in his mouth, avoid toys and games with small parts.

• Be especially careful with toys intended for children under 3. The different parts of the toy should be larger than your child's mouth up to the age of 3. This will prevent any risk of choking. And don't forget that young children like to borrow older children's toys.

• Is this toy too heavy? Is there a risk of injury if the toy falls on the baby? If so, you shouldn't buy it.

• Make sure toys are well assembled. Look for loose fittings or wires, sharp or pointed corners. Plush tails should be well sewn, seams reinforced and paint should not flake. Cuddly toys must be free of buttons, ribbons, beads or anything else that babies can put in their mouths.

• Is your child physically ready for this toy? For example, parents often buy a larger bike so they don't have to buy a new one the following year. This strategy can lead to injury: your child may not have the physical ability to control a bike that's too big.

• Is the toy in good condition? Check the condition of toys and discard any that are worn or damaged. Toys passed down between children in the same family, or bought second-hand at flea markets or second-hand shops, can be damaged. Their poor condition can be dangerous. Check all new and used toys for small parts that can easily be torn off or swallowed: buttons, batteries, ribbons, eyes, beads, plastic parts, etc.

• Does the toy have a string or ribbon longer than 30 cm? A string, ribbon or shoelace can wrap too easily around a child's neck, creating a strangulation hazard. As soon as your child can pull himself up onto his hands and knees, remove any moving or hanging toys from the cradle. Pay particular attention to older toys. A 5-year-old may have a corded telephone, for example, and this cord is dangerous. A more recent model, complying with the latest safety standards, has a cordless phone, which is safer.

• Watch out for swings and garden toys. Are they strong enough and securely fastened? And make sure there's no risk of strangulation.

• Only buy toys from reliable and trustworthy companies. Always look for the standards logos: "NF" for "norme française" or "CE" for "Communauté européenne". This is proof that the toy complies with the safety standards of the country or the European Union. Products not bearing these logos may not be considered toys, and may not be safe for children.