December 2025

Toy Safety Tips for Parents: How to Choose Safe and Age-Appropriate Toys

Choosing the right toys for your child should be fun, but it also plays a major role in their safety and healthy development. The best toys help children explore, imagine, and grow while keeping risks low. With so many products on the shelves today including high-tech gadgets and “smart” toys, knowing what is safe can feel overwhelming.

Use this guide, grounded in recommendations from the Altitude team, to help ensure the toys you bring home support healthy play at every age.

1. Read the Label Carefully

Warning labels are not just fine print. They provide essential information about how to use a toy properly and what age range it is safe for. Always follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations, as these often relate to safety hazards like choking risks with small parts rather than only developmental suitability.

2. Electronics and Digital Toys: Use With Care

Zero media is recommended under age two, and establishing clear rules for older children is important for healthy growth, social skills, and emotional development.

The digital world can expose children to:

• Hidden ads embedded in games

• Data collection and tracking

• Targeted messages from influencers

• Online interactions with strangers

• Excessive screen time replacing real-world learning

Early Development Matters Most

• Real-world learning is essential. Infants learn through touch, sound, movement, and connection
• Back-and-forth communication builds language skills far more effectively than passive viewing
• Screen time can displace important activities like sleep, physical play, and exploration

About AI-Enabled Toys

Plushies, dolls, or robots with chatbot technology are not recommended. These products may undermine human connection, take advantage of a child’s trust, and introduce unique privacy and safety concerns.

For Older Children: Create a Family Media Plan

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to set clear expectations:

• Media-free zones: mealtimes, bedrooms, family gatherings

• Device checks: monitor content and communication

• Overnight rules: charge all devices outside bedrooms

• Public behavior: talk about when tech use is and is not appropriate

3. Think LARGE to Prevent Choking

Young children explore with their mouths, so small parts are a major safety risk.

• Ensure toys and pieces are larger than a toilet paper roll

• Inspect for pieces that could break or be bitten off

• Avoid removable eyes, beads, and tiny attachments

4. Protect Little Ears from Loud Noises

Some toys reach damaging sound levels, especially in small rooms.

• If a toy sounds loud in the store, it will be louder at home

• Choose quieter options to protect hearing

5. Select Well-Made Stuffed Toys

Before purchasing plush toys:

• Check that eyes, buttons, and seams are secure

• Remove ribbons or strings to prevent strangulation

• Choose machine-washable materials for hygiene

• Avoid beans or pellet stuffing that pose a choking hazard if torn open

6. Choose Sturdy Plastic Toys

Skip toys made from thin or brittle plastic. They can break into sharp pieces and cause injuries. Look for durable plastics that withstand active play.

Ensure Materials Are Nontoxic

Children often mouth toys, so always check packaging for “nontoxic” labels to avoid harmful chemicals or paint.

Use Caution with Hobby Kits and Chemistry Sets

Not recommended under age 12 due to chemicals and fire risks. Older children should be supervised closely and taught safe handling.

7. Be Vigilant With Small Batteries and Magnets

Small lithium coin batteries and strong magnets can cause life-threatening internal injuries if swallowed.

• Ensure battery compartments are screwed shut

• Monitor magnetic building sets carefully

Seek urgent medical attention if ingestion is suspected. Do not wait for symptoms.

8. Protect Children From Physical Injury Risks

Look for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification on electronic toys to reduce fire and shock hazards.

Scooters and Motorized Toys

• Children under 16 should not use motorized scooters

• Helmets are essential even for non-motorized scooters

Trampolines

• Risk of injury from falling, collisions, or unsafe landings

• Extra caution is needed if multiple jumpers are present

Projectile Toys

• May cause serious eye injuries or choking
• Best avoided entirely

9. Check for Recalls

Safety recalls happen more often than you think.

• Search recalled toys at Recalls.gov

• Report unsafe toys at SaferProducts.gov

• Remove recalled items immediately

Safe Toys Help Kids Play, Learn and Thrive

The best toys spark imagination, physical activity, and connection while minimizing risk. When in doubt, follow age guidelines, inspect toys carefully, and stay involved in your child’s play. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping playtime fun, enriching, and safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest types of toys for toddlers?

Look for toys that are large, durable, and encourage hands-on learning. Examples include blocks, board books, shape sorters, push toys, and soft dolls with no detachable pieces.

Are electronic or AI-enabled toys safe for kids?

They may introduce privacy concerns, screen overuse, and emotional dependency. Pediatricians recommend focusing on real-world play and limiting tech toys in early childhood.

How can I tell if a toy is too loud?

If you need to raise your voice over the sound or it seems loud in the store, it is too loud for a child’s ears. Volume-limiting products are a safer choice.

What do I do if I think my child swallowed a magnet or battery?

Go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting or wait for symptoms to appear.

Where can I check for toy recalls?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission updates all active recalls at Recalls.gov.