However, you would hope baby toys are safe; unfortunately, this is not always the case. Toy safety standards have improved and are updated regularly, yet parents’ and carers’ critical judgment is advised when selecting safe baby toys.
We feel excited to share some helpful tips with you today to pick top-rated baby toys and raise awareness about children’s toys’ limited safety standards to keep in mind when selecting toys for your baby.
How do YOU select top-rated baby toys?
When you are browsing for top-rated baby toys, how do you judge if a toy is safe and suitable for your baby or not?
Perhaps you look for to most popular baby toys and base your judgement on the number of reviews.
Keep in mind that looking at the popularity of a product can be a great way to learn more about a product. Still, more research can be a reasonable requirement, especially when you purchase baby toys online from unknown brands or sellers.
When you have never bought from a brand or sold before, checking the seller’s or brand reputable is highly advisable.
Some questions you may like to get answered might be…
>Where are the toys manufactured?
>What certifications do they carry?
>Does the brand or seller have a good reputation?
>What review does the product you are interested in have?
How do we know that what is promised by the seller is true?
Limited safety rules for (baby) toys
It sounds a little crazy as you would like to expect any toy sold are safe for a baby or child. Still, this is not automatically true.
However, toys sold in the U.S have to comply with standards; a critical eye from a parent or carer is beneficial when it comes down to selecting toys for an infant.
Reading labels and researching top-rated baby toy brands are a great start to finding the best and safest toys for your baby.
Like with everything in life, safety comes first…
As we all know, babies put everything in their mouths; it is simply how they learn and develop. Still, this makes it even more essential to research what products we place in babies’ environments as this makes them vulnerable to experiencing various injuries from toys.
The Standards for toy safety in the U.S…
The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulates toy safety standards in the U.S. The CPSC enforces basic safety rules and guidelines for toys sold in the U.S.
Toy-related accidents in the U.S
In 2005, there were several fatal accidents related to toys. Twenty children under 15 years of age died in the U.S. due to toy accidents. In addition, an estimated 200- 300 kids in the U.S. experienced toys-related injuries and needed treatment in a hospital that year.
However, toy safety standards have been improved over the last decade; it doesn’t automatically mean that all toys sold in the U.S are safe now.
The systems work mainly in a reactive way, and changes are made AFTER incidents occur.
When you buy baby toys online, don’t just expect a safe toy; do your research. Research the brand and the seller, and be suspicious when toys are too cheap as a short by the brand or seller might have been taken.
Improvements in toy safety.
2008– In 2008, new rules were enforced to improve the previous safety standards on products sold in the U.S, and restrictions like lead and Phthalates used in toys were restricted to smaller amounts.
2012-Minnesota state introduced its legislation in 2012. These standards report dangerous chemicals used in toys, such as Cadmium, Bisphenol, Formaldehyde, or lead.
2018- In 2018, previous voluntary rules for toy testing became mandatory. All toys intended for use by children younger than 12 must be the third party tested now. In addition, toys have to be compliant with toy safety and be certified in a children’s product certificate.
Still, Keep in mind that toys have to comply with standards; this doesn’t automatically mean the toys are safe. The system works in a reactively way, and more action is mainly taken AFTER incidents occur.
Why is chemical exposure especially concerning for a baby’s environment…
As mentioned before, we must look for multiple safety and health concerns in baby toys. Such a scary thought, and hopefully, we never have to witness accidents with baby toys.
Some concerns with baby toys include choking, drowning, sharpness in toys, batteries, strangling and toxic lead in paint, and other chemicals previously found in toys.
Luckily the level allowance of some toxic chemicals and heavy metals is lower than previously. Nevertheless, checking for chemicals used in baby products is a great idea, regardless of the restrictions.
Toxic chemicals and heavy metals are dangerous and not suitable for anyone. Still, they are especially problematic for babies’ undeveloped bodies and are very vulnerable to exposure to these toxins.
As babies put anything in their mouth, especially with teething, they will likely not limit chewing to teething toys. But, still, probably, they will do a taste test on any toys or objects they are exposed to within their environment.
Eliminating chemical exposure in a baby’s environment…
Luckily, we can do multiple things to minimize the chances of babies being exposed to harmful toxins in their environment. Choosing non-toxic care products, organic baby clothing, and even baby gear like organic baby swings and toys will contribute to a healthier baby environment.
What are safer options for the top-rated baby toys?
However, reading labels, researching brands and being critical of what toys you buy are great ways to find safer toys; you may wonder how to quickly determine if a toy is safe for your baby, right?
Two great options you can look out for are:
- Organic toys
- Eco-friendly toys
Eco-friendly toys are typically made without toxins; even though a product makes eco claims, learn more about a product and brand before purchasing it.
Overall eco-friendly toys are of higher quality and a bit more expensive. When prices are relatively low, you may especially question the quality of a product. ‘Greenwashing of products is not uncommon, and learning about a new brand is a must, especially when purchasing toys online.
Organic toys– Organic toys are another great choice when you look for top-rated baby toys. Organic toys are made from organic fibre, and products certified with G.O.T.S will give you significant reinsurance that top-rated baby toys are safe.
‘When selecting toys for your baby, remember that toys safety standards are limited. Consider G.O.T.S certified toys to have peace of mind toys are safe.
Why are G.O.T.S certified baby toys top-rated?
When looking for top-rated baby toys, you could consider checking out organic toys that are certified organic. Organic standards like the G.O.T.S (global organic textile standard) test products made with organic fibres to be free of harmful substances for humans.
However, only products that include organically grown textiles can be certified with G.O.T.S. Still, when you are after non-toxic wooden toys, look for genuine eco-friendly brands or learn more about a brand or product first.
Organic brands are likely to use wood varieties like untreated hardwood. Also, look for non-toxic finishes such as vegetable seed wax for wooden baby toys.
There is a variety of different organic toys available for your baby, such as:
- Pram toys
- Rattle buddies
- Rattle Lovie
- All in one toy
- Pacifier holder animal friends
Let’s have a look at what benefits certified organic toys have…
- Free of harmful substances for humans such as P.V.C, Magnet or lead.
- Ethically made.
- Sustainably made.
- Eco-friendly.
- Kind for the environment and safe for your baby.
- Often the knitted toys are handmade.
- Organic toys in a set with organic garments make the perfect unique baby shower gift.
Wrap up to select top-rated baby toys
However, toys for children under 12 have to be third-party laboratory tested before being sold in the U.S. don’t expect that all toys are automatically safe.
However, regularly changes are made to the U.S toy safety laws, still, it works mainly in a reactive way, and action to change directions is primarily taken after incidents occur. Therefore, your judgement and critical eye are crucial in selecting top-rated baby toys.
Choosing eco-friendly or organic toys is not bad and has many benefits for your baby and the environment. Still, research brands or retailers when you don’t know a brand and its reputation, especially when you purchase toys online.
What top-rated baby toys do you select for your infant and children?
Please share any comments below.
Hi! I am a dad for the first time. I have been researching this topic. Children can be hurt by unsafe toys in numerous ways, including falls, choking, strangulation, burns, drowning, and poisoning.
One important point is size. Toys need to be large enough — minimum 1¼ inches (3 centimetres) in diameter and 2¼ inches (6 centimetres) in length — so that they can’t be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. A small-parts tester, or choke tube, can determine if a toy is too small for our baby. We do well to pay attention to this.
Hi Paolo, thanks for leaving us a comment and sharing your finding with us. So true that toys can be dangerous in numerous ways, and chocking is most definitely one of the scary scenarios possible.
There are so many aspects to pay attention to when purchasing toys, including those you just mentioned in your comment.
Doing research is definetly advisable when buying toys, and luckily there are eco-friendly and organic options available which can be great choices when looking for non-toxic toys.
Jude