Many of us will find ourselves turning to online shopping this Christmas – it’s easy, it’s fast and you don’t need to leave your house!
However, despite the many benefits, come some pitfalls, and it’s important we take some careful consideration, especially when we are toy shopping for the children in our lives.
Of recent, there has been an increase in the number of vendors selling fake, and unsafe toys.
The UK has toy safety standards, but we must be aware of third-party sellers selling through popular marketplaces, who do not comply with such standards.
So, what should we be keeping an eye out for?
CE mark or Lion mark – this is an assurance that toys have been made to approved standards. Sadly, some rogue traders have been known to put fake CE/Lion marks on their products.
Buy from reputable retailers/suppliers – they will be required to meet high safety standards. It costs manufacturers money to make toys safe, so if the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Also check where a company is based – they should have a UK or EU address to sell toys in this country. If not, then they may not be complying with UK safety standards.
Buy age appropriate toys – unlike clothes that we often buy for our children to grow into, it’s not wise to do this with toys. Toys have an age recommendation for a reason – they may contain small parts, they may be inedible, they may be fragile, or have sharp points. Check that any toy you are buying for a baby/toddler is strong enough to withstand chewing.
Be aware of choking hazards – babies and toddlers tend to put everything in their mouths. Watch out for small parts (like eyes, buttons and wheels to name a few), and for toys which shed fabric fibres or hair. For babies and toddlers it is recommended that toys should be at least 3cm in diameter, and 6cm in length – if it fits inside a toilet roll tube, then it’s too small! It’s also wise to avoid marbles, coins and games with balls that are 4.5cm or less, due to the risk of them getting stuck in the windpipe.
Be aware of loose ribbons, string, cords or chains – for example on dressing up costumes, or in arts and crafts. These items are at risk of getting wound around a young child’s neck.
If buying second hand – inspect for breakages, sharp edges, splintered wood, and that buttons and eyes are firmly stitched in place etc. It’s great to get a bargain, but don’t compromise on safety.
Button batteries – pose a serious risk if they get stuck in the windpipe. They react with saliva, producing caustic soda which can then burn though the windpipe and surrounding tissues. Toys with button batteries bought from reputable retailers will be secured in place by a screw. However, it’s worth having a look around to see where else these small button batteries are found – car keys, alarm fobs, kitchen scales, thermometers … and they are not secured by a screw. It’s also worth noting that even ‘dead’ batteries have the capability of causing serious internal damage.
Finally, I am going to mention magnetic balls. These contain strong magnets, and if swallowed they can stick together internally and through organs, and can cut off blood supply. They tend to be much more complex than button batteries to remove, and can result in a child having numerous operations. There have been recent TikTok pranks which have ended up in older children swallowing these magnets, and having to be admitted to hospital as a result.
We always believe that a little knowledge goes a long way – have a lovely Christmas and stay safe.
About Kirsty Crockett
Kirsty runs Daisy First Aid Central Scotland. You can contact Kirsty for information or to book a private class via email or book a public venue class on her webpage: www.daisyfirstaid.com/stirling/