Toy safety

Toys are a cherished part of childhood. To make playtime as safe as possible, choose toys that are right for your child's age — and follow all warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions. Be involved! It's important for parents to supervise children's play, and to teach them how to use their toys safely.

In this topic

Play smart, play safe

Using unsafe toys — or using safe toys in unsafe ways — can pose any number of risks for children.

General toy safety tips

In Canada, all toys are regulated to make sure they are safe for use by children. Even so, unsafe toys can make their way onto store shelves and into homes. Being informed and aware of potential risks will help you protect your child's health and safety.

Toy safety during the holidays

The holidays are a time for family and fun — and are often when many new toys and decorations come into the home. Some of these could contain hidden health and safety hazards if not used properly.

Batteries

The batteries required to run many of today's toys contain harmful substances like acids and heavy metals. Here are some guidelines to help you keep playtime safe.

Magnets

Many children's toys contain magnets, and often those magnets are quite small. If they come loose, or if there is a small toy with a magnet inside, the magnet or toy can be dangerous if swallowed, especially when the magnets are powerful ones.

Soft vinyl toys

In December 2010, the Government of Canada restricted the use of six chemicals (phthalates) in the soft vinyl of children's toys and child care articles such as bath toys, baby bibs and teethers.

Small parts in toys

Small objects present choking, ingestion and inhalation hazards to young children.

Using a second-hand toy

Use caution when shopping for children at garage sales or second-hand value shops. All too often products sold at garage sales do not meet current safety requirements.