First published December 2014 Updated December 2025
Shopping for toys is one of the fun parts of being a parent, aunt or uncle, or grandparent. While most toys are safe and bring a lot of joy, taking time to think about safety before buying can help you choose toys that fit the child and help prevent injuries.
Start With the Child, Not the Toy
Before shopping, think about the child who will use the toy. The first thing to check is the age label on the package. These labels are based on safety risks, such as choking hazards, sharp edges, and how children typically play at different ages.
It can be tempting to buy a toy meant for older children, especially if a child seems advanced for their age. However, toys labeled for older children may include:
Small parts
Strong magnets
Faster speeds
Other features that can be dangerous for younger children
Following age labels is one of the simplest and most effective ways to choose safer toys.
Before giving any toy—new or used—check Recalls.gov to make sure it hasn’t been recalled.
Choose Where You Shop
Where you buy toys matters. Shopping at trusted stores and buying well-known brands can help lower safety risks. Be extra careful when shopping online, especially from third-party sellers.
Very low prices, unclear descriptions, or missing brand information can be warning signs that a toy is counterfeit or poorly made. Counterfeit toys are often not tested for safety and may break easily, contain small parts, or have unsafe batteries or materials.
Look for Built-In Safety Features
Before buying a toy, take a closer look at how it is made.
Check that battery compartments are secure and require a screwdriver or locking mechanism to open, especially if they use button batteries, which can cause serious injuries if swallowed.
Pay attention to how sturdy the toy feels. Toys that break easily into small pieces can become choking hazards.
If you are buying a secondhand toy, make sure all parts are intact and working as intended.
Make Active Toys Safer
Toys that encourage movement can be great for kids, but they also come with a higher risk of falls.
If you buy a riding toy, include a helmet and make sure it fits properly. Children should wear a helmet every time they ride—even for short trips or riding in the driveway. Knee and elbow pads can also help prevent injuries. Choosing a bike, scooter, or riding toy that matches a child’s age, size, and skill level can make active play safer and more enjoyable.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more popular, but they are very different from traditional bikes. They are heavier, faster, and behave more like small, motorized vehicles.
Most pediatric experts agree that children under 12 are not ready for e-bikes. For kids ages 12–15, only low-speed, pedal-assist e-bikes (Class 1) should be considered, and only with consistent helmet use and supervision. Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, should be limited to teens 16 years and older.
Because of their higher speeds, e-bikes and e-scooters require properly fitted, certified helmets designed for higher-speed riding. Regular bike helmets do not provide enough protection. Families may also want to check their insurance coverage. Read more about e-bike and e-scooter safety.
Toys and Products to Avoid
Some toys and products pose risks serious enough that they are best avoided in homes where children live or visit often.
Small toys or toys with small parts can be choking hazards. If a toy or part can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is too small for children under 3.
Balloons are a leading cause of choking injuries and deaths in young children because they can block the airway. If children younger than 8 are around, it is safest to avoid balloons.
Strong magnets (also called rare-earth or high-powered magnets) can cause severe internal injuries if swallowed.
Water beads can expand inside the body if swallowed and cause serious blockages. Even one bead can lead to an emergency room visit.
We want your children home with you, not here with us. Spending a little extra time up front when buying toys can help keep playtime happy, healthy, and safer.
Tracy Mehan is the manager of translational research for the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
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