Toddlers explore the world with their hands and mouths, so every toy that enters your home needs to be chosen with safety in mind. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other safety organizations offer clear, practical advice for picking playthings that support development while minimizing risks. This guide walks you through what to look for on the box, how to spot hidden dangers, and where to check for recalls, so you can feel confident about the toys your toddler plays with.
What to Look for in a Toy
The AAP’s report, Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era, groups traditional toys into several categories that support different areas of growth. Symbolic or pretend play toys (dolls, animals, toy food) help children use words and stories to imitate real life. Fine-motor toys like blocks, shapes, and puzzles build problem-solving and early math skills. Art supplies, even simple ones like paper and crayons, build creativity. Language and concept toys such as board games and books create opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which digital toys cannot replace. Gross motor toys like balls and ride-on toys support physical development and self-regulation. The AAP also encourages parents to be mindful of toys that promote race or gender-based stereotypes. Offer a wide range of toys, including dolls, vehicles, and blocks, and choose books or puzzles that show men and women in diverse roles.
The AAP recommends limiting total screen time to less than 1 hour per day for children 2 and older, and avoiding it for those under 2. Research suggests tablet-based toys may delay social development because they lack real-life expressions and vocalizations. When you do use digital toys, choose developmentally appropriate ones and play together. For more on how play supports learning, visit our Play and Learning page.
Toy Safety Basics: Age Labels and Construction
The AAP’s 10 toy buying tips start with reading the label and showing your child how to use the toy correctly. Think LARGE: all parts should be larger than your child’s mouth. Avoid toys that shoot objects, are loud, or have small bean-like pellets. Choose sturdy plastic toys labeled nontoxic, and avoid hobby kits for children under 12. Electric toys should be “UL Approved.” For stuffed toys, check for tight parts and remove loose ribbons. Crib toys must be removed once your baby can push up or by 5 months. Be especially cautious of toys with button batteries or high-powered magnets, as these can cause severe injuries if swallowed (see the section below). Supervising play is one of the simplest ways to prevent injuries. For a deeper dive into choosing safe play equipment, visit our Toys and Play Equipment page.
Choking Hazards: Foods and Small Objects
Choking is a leading cause of death for children under 5, according to the AAP. High-risk foods include hot dogs, hard candy, nuts, whole grapes, raw vegetables, popcorn, and thick peanut butter. The AAP advises keeping these foods from children until age 4 or older, and cutting round, firm foods into tiny pieces no larger than one-half inch. Always supervise mealtimes and insist children sit while eating. Household choking hazards include balloons (a risk up to age 8), coins, marbles, toys with small parts, small balls, pen caps, button batteries, and medicine syringes. Follow age recommendations on toy packages and check under furniture for small objects. The AAP also recommends taking a certified CPR and first aid course to be prepared for choking emergencies. Safe eating habits go hand in hand with safe play; see our Mealtime Routines page for more.
Button Batteries and High-Powered Magnets
Button cell or coin batteries cause thousands of emergency visits yearly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that a swallowed battery can burn through a child’s throat in as little as two hours. The AAP also cautions against high-powered magnets. Keep remotes and electronics with accessible batteries away from children unless compartments have a screw closure. Toys with button batteries must have a secure closure requiring a tool. Check your toys and secure loose batteries with tape before disposal. If a child swallows a battery, seek immediate medical attention. For children 12 months and older, give honey on the way to the ER if within 12 hours (10 mL every 10 minutes, up to six doses). Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (800-498-8666) or Poison Help (800-222-1222). For more safety resources, browse our Parenting Resources hub.
Toy Injuries and Age Recommendations
Safe Kids Worldwide reports that in 2018, an estimated 165,000 children under 15 were seen in emergency departments for toy-related injuries—452 kids every day. They urge reading age recommendations and warning labels, and checking for small parts. The AAP agrees that age guidelines reflect safety and developmental abilities. Following these labels helps ensure the toy is both safe and engaging. Choosing age-appropriate toys is part of a broader approach to toddler activities; see our Everyday Toddler Activities guide for more ideas.
Checking for Recalls
The AAP notes that the CPSC issues recalls for unsafe lead levels, choking hazards, or other dangers. Remove recalled toys immediately. Check Recalls.gov and report concerns at SaferProducts.gov. If you suspect lead exposure, ask your child’s doctor about blood lead testing. Making a habit of checking recalls helps keep your toddler safe. For a broader look at choosing toys, books, and resources, read our Choosing Toys, Books and Parenting Resources for Toddlers guide.
A Quick Safety Checklist
Keep these points in mind every time you bring a new toy into your home:
- Read the age label and any warning labels on the package.
- Make sure all parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking.
- Check that battery compartments are secured with a screw or tool.
- Avoid toys that are loud, shoot objects, or have small magnets.
- Look for sturdy construction and nontoxic materials.
- Check Recalls.gov for any safety recalls on the toy.
- Supervise play and regularly inspect toys for damage.
Frequently asked questions
What age should I avoid toys with small parts?
The AAP advises following the age recommendations on toy packages, which are based on safety and developmental abilities. The AAP also says all toys and parts should be larger than your child’s mouth, and its choking guidance lists toys that can be squeezed to fit entirely into a child’s mouth as a hazard. The choking prevention guidelines recommend keeping toys with small or detachable parts away from infants and young children, and always checking for small objects that could become choking hazards.
Should I avoid loud toys?
The AAP recommends avoiding toys that are loud to prevent damage to your child’s hearing. When in doubt, choose a quieter toy.
What should I do if my child swallows a button battery?
According to the CPSC, if a button cell or coin battery is swallowed, you should immediately seek medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms. While on the way to the emergency room, if the child is 12 months or older and the ingestion occurred within the past 12 hours, you can give 10 mL of honey every 10 minutes, up to six doses, as recommended by the National Capital Poison Center. Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (800-498-8666) or the Poison Help Line (800-222-1222) for further guidance.
For more guidance on choosing safe toys and play equipment for your toddler, visit our Toys and Play Equipment page.
