Toys and Toy Boxes

Toys are regulated for safety in Canada . Even so, some unsafe toys do make their way onto store shelves and into homes.

You may also have older toys that are no longer safe, or the way the toys are being used may expose children to hazards. It is important to be aware of the risks, so that you can take steps to protect your child's health.

Risks

• Young children, especially those under three years of age, often mouth objects. Small toys, balls or loose or broken toy parts are choking hazards. Keep them out of reach.
• Toys with long, sticky or stretchy cords can become wrapped around a child's neck and strangle the child. Avoid buying these toys.
• Playing too long and too often with very loud toys can harm a child's hearing. Look for toys that have volume control features, so that the sound can be kept low or turned off.
• A child can suffocate or choke on toy packaging like plastic bags, plastic wrap, foam, staples and ties. After buying toys, remove and throw away all packaging.
• Ride-on toys can tip and children on ride-on toys can move very quickly, running into objects or falling down stairs. Look for hazards like furniture, cords, appliances, stairs and swimming pools, and remove the hazards, or access to them, before play begins.
• Latex balloons have caused a number of deaths. A balloon or balloon pieces can be inhaled and block a child's airway. Always keep uninflated latex balloons out of the reach of children and immediately throw out broken balloon pieces.
• Children can suffocate if they climb into and get trapped inside a toy box. Use a toy box without a lid, or one with a lightweight lid that will not fall on a child.
• Sharp points or edges on toys can cut a child. Check that the toy has smooth surfaces and no sharp areas.

Safety tips

Toys:

• Always supervise children and teach them how to use toys safely.
• Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions provided with the toy.
• Look for toys that come with contact information for the manufacturer or importer.
• Look for sturdy, well-made toys.
• Buy age-appropriate toys. Toys for older children may have small parts or present other hazards that make them unsafe for younger children.
• Look for choking hazards on toys for children under three. Check:
  • squeeze toys for loose or removable squeakers
  • toy cars and trucks for loose or removable wheels and other small parts
  • stuffed, plush and soft toys to make sure the eyes, nose and other small parts cannot be pulled off
• Check toys often for hazards like loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges, and repair or throw away any weak or damaged toys.
• Check that infant toys like rattles and teethers are large enough that they will not get stuck in an infant's throat.
• Keep all toys, especially plush and soft toys, away from heat sources like stoves, fireplaces, and heaters. The toys could catch fire.
• Make sure that toys attached to child-care items like cribs, playpens and strollers are installed properly, and check regularly that they are still securely attached.
• Remove mobiles and toy bars from the crib as soon as a baby begins to push up on hands and knees.

Ride-on toys:

• Choose a ride-on toy that suits the child's age, size and abilities.
• Check that the ride-on toy will not tip when the child is using it. Check that it is stable when weight is placed on any riding point.
• Be aware that a child on a wheeled ride-on toy can move very quickly:
  • Use a ride-on toy far away from stairs, traffic, swimming pools and other dangerous areas.
  • Use a ride-on toy away from hazards such as lamps, cords, decorations or appliances that could be knocked or pulled down onto a child.
  • Baby walkers are banned in Canada because they are unsafe. Do not use these products.

Toy boxes:

• Store toys and games for older children separate from those for younger children.
• Use a toy box without a lid, or a toy box with a lightweight lid, sturdy supportive hinges, and air holes.
• Children should not have access to airtight storage bins, trunks, or boxes. Access to these types of storage products could lead to suffocation if a child climbs inside.

For more information

More about the safe use of toys:

• Toy Safety Tips
  This pamphlet explains the possible hazards of using certain toys and provides safety tips for minimizing risks.
• Magnets in Toys
  Learn about the serious consequences of swallowing small powerful magnets and the steps to take to minimize risks to children.
• Batteries in Toys
  Learn how to safely use batteries and minimize risks to children.
• Consumer Product Recalls
  Search for toy recalls on Health Canada 's consumer product recalls site.
• Baby's Stationary Activity Centre
  A fact sheet about the safe use of stationary activity centres.
• Suspended Baby Jumpers
  Advice from Is Your Child Safe ? on the safe use of suspended baby jumpers.
• Trampolines
  A fact sheet on the safe use of trampolines.
• Fun and Safe Holiday Tips - Toys and Gifts
  A fact sheet on the safe use of toys, gifts and decorations during the holiday season.
• Government of Canada Acts to Make Soft Vinyl Toys, Child-Care Articles Safer
  A news release announcing proposed regulations to prevent the use of harmful chemicals in soft vinyl toys and child-care articles.

General information about the safe use of children's products:

• Is Your Child Safe?
  A practical guide to help parents keep their children safe and avoid common childhood hazards.
• Safety with Radar
  An activity booklet for children, highlighting key safety messages.
• Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products
  This guide helps shoppers to be aware of potential hazards that second-hand products may pose.
• For Industry and Professionals
  An index page providing information on related guidance and regulations intended for industry and professional audiences.

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