Choosing safe toys

Toys are an important part of your child’s learning, growth and fun. The right toys can help them explore new skills and enjoy playtime.

Children aged 0–3 are most at risk of accidental injury from toys, so choosing safe, age-appropriate options is key.

Here are some tips to help:

  • check the age guide - some toys are not suitable for younger children. Always check the age guides for toys to prevent choking or suffocation risk
  • look for safety standards - make sure toys meet ACCC Product Safety kids' toys guide
  • supervise new toys - always watch your child if they are using a new toy for the first time
  • avoid toys with small parts- small toy parts are a choking risk for young children. Don’t purchase toys with small parts or keep them separate if older siblings have them in the house
  • be careful with button batteries- button batteries are coin-shaped batteries found in many toys or remotes. They can cause choking or chemical burns if swallowed. Where possible, use toys without batteries. If your child’s toy does need batteries, only use products with battery covers which are screwed shut- keeping them out of reach of young children
  • keep bags out of reach - bags often contain unsafe items like coins, medicine or batteries. Store them up high or out of reach of curious hands
  • teach older children about safety- help older children understand potential safety hazards when playing with toys. This is especially important if they have a younger sibling
  • choose safe material- look for toys made from non-toxic and non-flammable materials. Avoid toys with sharp edges, have breakable pieces or foam parts
  • check toys for damage- regularly check your child’s toys to see if they have been damaged, come loose or are no longer safe. Get them fixed or throw them away if they are unsafe.

Other considerations for safe toys

  • store toys correctly to avoid trip hazards
  • keep toys out of direct sunlight to prevent wear and tear
  • dry bath toys after use to avoid mould build up
  • check toys that may have been recalled on the ACCC website.