Understanding Toy Safety Labels

Those age recommendations on toy packages aren’t just suggestions — they’re safety guidelines based on a child’s developmental abilities. When you see “3+,” it means the toy has been evaluated for children three years and older. This means that younger children might not be able to handle that toy safely.

“Here’s a simple rule of thumb: if any part of a toy can fit through a toilet paper roll, it’s a choking hazard for kids under three,” said Natividad Pediatrics Chief of Service Dr. Heloisa Junqueira. “This includes small balls, marbles, toys with removable parts, and anything with pieces that could break off.” 

What Those Certification Letters Mean 

Look for toys marked with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approval. These certifications mean the toy has been tested for safety standards including: 

• Sharp edges and points 

• Flammability 

• Toxic materials including lead paint 

• Small parts that could break loose 

• Electrical and thermal hazards 

You can check if a toy has been recalled or there are any warnings by visiting the CPSC website at cpsc.gov/recalls. For example, the CPSC is warning about knockoffs of the popular Labubus: “These fakes, sold both as plush figures and plush keychains, are small enough for a child to fit the doll in their mouth and block their airway. CPSC has also received reports of fake Labubu dolls that break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards.”  

The Hidden Dangers: Button Batteries and Magnets 

Two of the most serious toy hazards are easy to overlook. Button batteries and small magnets are found in everything from remote-controlled cars to musical greeting cards, and they can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed. 

Button batteries are especially dangerous. When swallowed, they can get stuck in the throat and create an electrical current that burns through tissue in as little as two hours. This can damage the esophagus, vocal cords, and even major blood vessels. More than 3,500 children swallow button batteries each year in the United States. 

High-powered magnets pose a different threat. If a child swallows more than one magnet, or a magnet along with another metal object, they can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, causing tears and blockages that require emergency surgery. 

If you buy toys with batteries, make sure the battery compartment is secured with screws—not just a plastic snap-on cover that small fingers can pry open. 

When Toy Injuries Need Medical Attention 

Most toy-related mishaps — a bonked head, a scraped knee — can be handled at home with basic first aid. But certain situations require immediate medical care: 

Go to the emergency room if: 

• You suspect your child has swallowed a battery or magnet 

• Your child has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or drooling excessively 

• There’s vomiting (especially with blood) 

• Your child has chest or abdominal pain after playing with toys 

• There’s a deep cut that won’t stop bleeding or may need stitches 

• Your child experiences a head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, or vomiting 

Signs of battery or magnet ingestion can be subtle and sometimes mistaken for other illnesses: 

• Sudden crying or discomfort 

• Refusing to eat or drink 

• Coughing or gagging 

• Hoarse voice or noisy breathing 

• Chest or stomach pain 

If you suspect your child has swallowed a battery, this is a medical emergency. Head to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give anything to eat or drink.  

Smart Shopping Tips for Safer Play 

Before you buy that toy, take a minute to really check it out. Does it have small parts that could break off? Are there sharp edges? For toys with wheels  — scooters, skateboards, bikes —remember that safety gear isn’t optional. Helmets protect developing brains from injuries that could have lifelong effects. 

Keep in mind that even if a toy is safe for your older child, it might not be safe for your littles. Store toys with small parts, batteries, or magnets out of reach of toddlers. 

The good news? Most toy injuries are preventable. With a little knowledge and careful selection, you can choose toys that bring joy without worry. When in doubt, trust those age guidelines, look for safety certifications, and remember that supervision is always the best safety feature. 

For more information about child safety or if you have concerns about a toy-related injury, contact Natividad’s Pediatrics Department. Call 911 or visit our Emergency Department if immediate care is needed.