At rokt&razo, we take pride in ensuring that all our toys meet safety standards. When we launch our products, we have already avoided those with high-risk factors such as magnets and small batteries. However, we believe that your child’s safety is paramount, and there are additional general guidelines to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose and maintain safe toys. Share these with your child’s caregivers, friends, and family to ensure a safe play environment everywhere.
Choosing the Right Toys
Toys are age-graded for safety based on:
• Choking or Safety Risks: Ensure toys are free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
• Physical Skills Required: Match toys with your child’s physical abilities.
• Understanding and Use: Choose toys your child can understand and use properly.
• Developmental Needs: Select toys that cater to your child’s interests, needs, and abilities at their stage of development.
Guidelines:
• Choose age-appropriate toys.
• Opt for natural materials like cotton, wool, and uncoated wood.
• Avoid old toys with chipped paint due to potential lead content.
• Ensure fabric toys are washable.
• Look for toys labeled as phthalate-free, PVC-free, and BPA-free, avoiding plastics with recycling codes #3, #6, and #7.
• Select non-toxic art supplies.
• Choose Mylar (foil-type) balloons instead of latex to prevent choking.
• Buy appropriate safety gear, like helmets with bikes.
Watching for Toy Dangers
• Sharp Edges and Points: Avoid toys with sharp parts, especially for younger children.
• Small Parts: Ensure toys and parts cannot fit inside an empty toilet paper tube to prevent choking.
• Loud Noises: Avoid toys that produce shrill or loud noises that could damage hearing.
• Cords and Strings: Keep toys with cords or strings longer than 7 inches away from young children to prevent strangulation.
• Flying or Shooting Objects: Avoid toys that can launch objects which could injure the eyes.
• Electric Toys: Only buy UL Approved toys. Ensure battery-operated toys have secure covers and dispose of batteries safely.
Keeping Toys Safe
• Proper Storage: Store toys in a safe place and keep them off the floor. Use toy chests with air holes or open baskets.
• Regular Checks: Inspect toys regularly for damage. Sand splinters from wooden toys and repaint with lead-free paint if needed.
• Dispose of Packaging: Throw away plastic wrap and packaging immediately.
• Read Instructions: Follow and explain toy instructions to your child.
For more information on recalled toys or to report unsafe toys, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
