The holiday season is underway, and many consumers are already shopping for the children in their lives. While they search for the perfect toys to wrap, they should remember that the greatest gift of all is safety.
If consumers plan to purchase a new toy online or in-store, they should review the packaging for safety information. Search for two labels. One is age grading labels, which indicate the age range for which a toy is deemed developmentally appropriate and safe based on factors like a child’s motor skills, play behaviors and potential hazards, like small parts that could cause choking. The other is ASTM and/or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety verification labels, which confirm a product has met safety standards set by ASTM International or UL.
These labels provide important information and exist for good reason. Children below a certain age may be vulnerable to a hazard that cannot be easily identified without closely examining the toy. Some examples are small parts, magnets or batteries. This is especially important when purchasing a toy online, as it can be difficult to examine all the components of the toy based on a written description.
Many toys are resold, given away to friends or family, or donated to charitable organizations that provide holiday gifts to children in need. If consumers are giving a used toy, there are a few checks they should perform to confirm it is safe for the next user.
• Does the toy have small parts, magnets or batteries that could present a choking or swallowing hazard? Small batteries should be secured with a screw, not tape.
• Are there any sharp points or edges that could accidentally harm someone?
• Is there loose fabric on the toy that could be flammable or cause suffocation?
• If there is an electrical or heating element, does the cord have cracks or exposed wires?
• Does the toy have chipping paint that could be a lead hazard?
Gift givers should consider the entire household they are buying for. For example, an older child may have a younger sibling who could access a toy with small parts.
If giving a gift like a bicycle, scooter, or hoverboard, consumers should consider including safety equipment like helmets or knee pads.
Consumers can check for product recalls on new or used toys at SaferProducts.gov before playtime begins.
For more information and consumer protection resources, or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at consumerprotection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or datcphotline@wisconsin.gov.
