Toys with small parts are a particular worry. Anything smaller than a ping pong ball or an Australian 20 cent coin could choke a child under three years. With Christmas around the corner, ensure you check safety of toys for your beloved kids.
NSW Fair Trading discusses important product safety information for toys:
- Remember the Five S’ of Toy Safety: Size, shape, surface, strings and supervision. The smaller the child, the bigger the toy should be. Be aware of shapes that are easy to swallow. Ensure all surface finishes are non-toxic. No strings over 30 cm as it is a strangulation hazard. And nothing replaces close supervision.
- Some common sense rules are: avoid buying toys containing coin or button batteries, check for sharp edges, buy washable and non-breakable toys, keep the toys chest where kids cannot reach, read labelling on toys and check toys for loose parts.
- Trampolines require correct installation and supervision. More than 3,000 trampoline-related injuries are reported in Australia each year. Make sure you check for sufficient space to install it, place it on a flat surface, have no obstacles around and do not place it on cement as kids can have severe injury if they fall. Always ensure you supervise kids when they are on the trampoline.
If you have purchased an unsafe toy, you can return the toy to the store for a refund or dispose of the toy immediately.
Information about safety can be found on the Product Safety Australia website for a list of recalls across Australia, at
You can also obtain information from NSW Fair Trading by calling 13 32 20 or use our language assistance line by calling 13 14 50 and ask for an interpreter in your language.
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