BABY AND TODDLER GROUPS
Toy safety
The Alliance’s Alison Heseltine fills us in on the key toy safety standards to be aware of, the symbols to look out for, and the types of toys to watch out for
Alison works as an early years development manager at the Alliance, supporting families and educators.
Having the chance to play with different and exciting toys is a big part of coming to a baby and toddler group for children and their families – whether it’s the opportunity to zoom about on a ride-on bike, build an enormous brick tower, or a just a chance to quietly explore sensory resources such as a treasure basket.
Many groups have boxes and cupboards full of toys, but how do you ensure that they’re safe for children and families to use?
Buying brand new? Compliance is key
If you’re in the position to be able to buy new toys, you need to be confident that they are from a reputable seller and comply with the relevant toy safety standards.
If you’re in the position to be able to buy new toys, you need to be confident that they are from a reputable seller and comply with the relevant toy safety standards.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust says that, generally speaking, toys that are bought from high street chains or big-name toy brands (either in person or online) are safe. It starts getting more complicated if you buy from an online platform, as not only may they also list look-a-like goods that don’t adhere to the same safety standards, but they don’t have to check that toys from other sellers are safe. It is recommended that, if you haven’t heard of the company selling the toy or it’s not based in the UK, you must be aware that the toy may not comply with UK safety standards.
RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) recommends that you look for the CE or UKCA mark as this means that the manufacturer has met all the requirements that apply in England, Scotland and Wales.
You can also look for the voluntary British Toy and Hobby Lion Mark. As a condition of being able to belong to this trade body, the manufacturers must comply with all regulatory toy safety requirements.
You will also need to check the displayed recommended age range for the toy – is it suitable for the children you intend to be playing with it? Toys that are designed for older children may have sharp edges that could cut little fingers, ribbons or cords that are a strangulation danger, or smaller, detachable parts or appendages that could present a choking hazard.
Please be extra careful if toys require batteries, particularly button batteries that can hurt or even kill a child if they are swallowed. If you have battery-operated toys, ensure that the battery compartment is fully secured so that it cannot be opened by a child or fall open on its own.
There are also an increasing number of toys that have strong magnets in them such as construction toys that ‘join’ or connect together. If these come loose and are swallowed by a child, they can cause serious internal injuries.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust has a range of free, downloadable resources that you can not only use in the group but share with families to help raise awareness of the dangers of button batteries to children: bit.ly/button-battery-safety.
Staying on top of secondhand toys
Many groups rely on toy donations from families and the community – which is a great way to save money – but these, too, need to be safe so look for the safety marks, any signs of damage and ensure that they are age appropriate.
Before use, these toys need to be carefully checked over and, if they’re not suitable, then either regifted (if they’re safe but more suited to older children) or, if needs be, disposed of responsibly. Alongside thanking the individual who’s donated the toys, it’s important to explain why you’ve made your decision about the suitability of the toy for the group.
Children should always be supervised by their adults when playing to help ensure that they are kept safe, that toys are used appropriately, and that they’re not left where they could become a trip hazard.
Securing small parts
You may also have items with or collections of loose parts and treasure baskets. While these give valuable opportunities to support children’s learning and development, they were not originally intended as toys, so it’s vital that children are supported by adults when using them. You’ll need to consider which children will be able to access these resources and be aware of dangers such as choking on small parts.
It’s a good idea to get your families involved in keeping your toys safe. Do they know who to tell if they find a toy that is damaged? It’s important to encourage families not to just put it back in the storage box at the end of the session.
Another idea is setting up a toy cleaning rota for regular attendees, as our youngest children often put toys in their mouths – or you could even get the children themselves washing toys such as plastic building bricks as one of your activities!
Finally, accidents happen, and toys do get broken – do your families know that they don’t need to be worried to tell you about a breakage?
The Alliance Baby and Toddler Toolkit helps group leaders reflect on the service they offer to families and tailor their group for the families with whom they interact.
If you would like to know more, please visit: bit.ly/BabyToddlerToolkitU5.
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance