Ensuring children have safe toys is a concern that many parents have. Their fears are not completely irrational either, as many children have been harmed by dangerous toys before, although accident numbers are falling after more stringent toy regulations have come into force. However, parents still need to be careful and below we highlight some of the important things to look out for to ensure toys are safe.

Sharp edges. Even soft toys and wooden toys can have potentially dangerous sharp edges. As children frequently run with their toys and play with them in a rough manner, picking up a cut or a jab from a sharp-edged toy is very easy.

Small parts. Most people are aware that small parts are not good for children. Because of their inquisitive nature, children often put small things in their mouth and can sometimes swallow or even choke on them. Some toys might appear to have no small parts but because they are made from poor quality materials, parts easily break off and pose an equal risk.

Chemicals. Whether it is dangerous chemicals in plastics, harmful fluids in toys, or simply toxins in the paint that they are decorated with, kids can be seriously harmed by inconsiderate materials. Thankfully most toys are tested thouroughly for dangerous chemicals, but some will always slip though the net.

Mechanical Hazards. Some toys might not seem dangerous at first glance but their pure functioning poses a risk to children. Children can easily be hurt for example by poor quality toys that use elastic parts or springs, when they come lose and hit them in the face. Also a toy might have a hinge or shutter that children can get fingers trapped in for example.

All toys and Christmas gifts should comply with the health and safety regulations of their respective countries, so next time you’re buying gifts for her or him look out for the endorsement logos on the toy’s label first.