| Toys are involved in over 40,000 accidents each year but their safety is only part of the problem. Many accidents involving toys occur when people trip over them and when babies play with toys intended for older children.
Remember a toy is defined as "any product or material designed or clearly intended for use in play by children of less than 14 years of age" but does not include such items as children’s fashion jewellery or Christmas decorations. Never give Christmas decorations as toys to children.
Our Guide to Safe Toy Shopping
Although it is illegal to sell unsafe toys, occasionally they do appear on store shelves, so it is vital that consumer shop with care.
When buying toys:
Look for the European Community (CE) symbol,  , a symbol which indicates that the toy meets European safety standards, and which all toys must have.
Look also for the voluntary British Toy and Hobby Association’s ‘Lion Mark’.  . A condition of BTHA trade association membership is that members’ toys will meet the statutory safety requirements.
Buy from suppliers with a good reputation for safe and reliable toys. Many will be members of trade associations whose rules call on them to meet high standards.
If buying on the Internet we recommend that you buy from UK or other EU traders or suppliers that comply with EU Toy Safety Regulations.
If buying toys from a jumble sale, car boot sale, or Internet auction site, extra care needs to be taken.
Supervise young children at play. Make sure the toys are suitable. Some children, particularly those under three, are more vulnerable, particularly to choking, and less able to cope with particular toys than older children. It should also be remembered there will be significant differences in the abilities of those in the same age group and those children with special needs.
Toys marked with this symbol are not suitable for children under the age of 3 
If you are visiting Santa's Grotto, ensure that the present your child receives is suitable for their age.
Beware of toys with:
- loose pile fabric or hair which sheds easily presenting a choking hazard
- small components or parts that detach on which a child could choke
- sharp points and edges or finger traps
- loose ribbons on toys and long neck ties on children’s costumes
- and small toys sold with items of food.
Check toys periodically to see that they have not become dangerously worn revealing sharp points and edges or filling materials. Dispose of them if they are no longer safe, or if they are a particular favourite with your child have the toy properly repaired.
Children under three years of age should never be allowed to play with toys which are marked as being unsuitable for them. With some toys it is important to supervise children during play, e.g. chemistry sets. The instructions must be observed and should warn you about all the hazards and how to avoid or control them.
Encourage children to play with one toy at a time, to be tidy and put toys away after play. This applies whether at home or at school or playgroup. Many accidents are caused by people tripping over toys left lying around, particularly on staircases.
Toys and Battery Safety
Many toys are battery-powered, normally a good safe source of portable power. Problems can occur, however, if the batteries are not used correctly.
Safe battery use
- Always take care to fit batteries the right way round, observing the + and - marks on the battery and compartment
- When replacing batteries, use the same type and always replace a complete set
- Always remove spent batteries from toys and never dispose of them in such a way that they will come into contact with fire
- Store unused batteries in their packaging and away from metal objects which may cause them to short circuit
- Never charge ordinary batteries either in a charger or by applying heat to them
- Small batteries, such as the mercury disc batteries used in some watches, electronic games and hearing aids, present a danger particularly to young children who can choke on them or swallow them and be poisoned. Never leave them lying around and make sure that children know not to put them in their mouths, ears or up their noses
- Young children should not charge batteries. If older children are allowed to remove or charge batteries, they must be carefully supervised by an adult at all times.
Top toy safety tips
- Buy toys only from recognised outlets;
- Make sure the toy is suitable for the child, check the age range;
- Be particularly careful with toys for children under three;
- Be wary of young children playing with older children’s toys;
- Check for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points;
- Ensure that garden swings and slides are robust and are not a strangulation hazard;
- Check toys regularly for wear and repair or dispose of them where necessary;
- Keep the play area tidy;
- Follow the instructions and warnings provided with toys;
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