How to check a toy is safe: age labels, small parts, batteries and clay

Most toys are perfectly safe when they are given to the right age. Problems usually happen when a toy meant for an older child ends up with a baby or toddler. This checklist takes two minutes and works for any toy, from any shop.

1. Read the age on the box

The age on a toy box is a safety label, not a measure of how clever a child is. A box marked 3+, or with a crossed-out "0–3" symbol, usually means the toy has small parts that a younger child could choke on. Buy for the youngest child in the house: if a 2 year old will be around, keep the 3+ toys for times when an adult is watching, or out of reach.

On our website the age is in the product title or description, and every toy is listed on our age pages: 0–18 months, 18–36 months and up.

2. The toilet-roll test for small parts

For children under 3, anything that fits inside an empty toilet-roll tube is small enough to choke on. Check balls, beads, marbles, doll shoes, building pieces and the parts that might break off a toy, such as wheels or eyes. Pull gently on buttons and eyes on soft toys: they should be firmly attached.

3. Batteries

• Button (coin) batteries are very dangerous if swallowed. The battery cover should close with a small screw, not just a clip. Keep spare button batteries locked away.
• Remove batteries from toys that won't be used for a while, so they don't leak.
• Don't mix old and new batteries in the same toy.

4. Magnets

Small, strong magnets can cause serious harm if a child swallows more than one. Magnetic building tiles and toys for young children should have the magnets sealed inside, with no loose pieces. Check them now and then for cracks.

5. Cords, strings and straps

Long cords on pull-along toys or toys hung over a cot can wrap around a baby's neck. Take cot toys down once a baby can push up on hands and knees, and keep cords short on toys for babies and toddlers.

6. Clay, dough and slime

• Choose clay and dough that say non-toxic on the box.
• Many play doughs contain wheat flour and salt. If your child has a wheat allergy, read the box before buying.
• Slime kits are for older children (check the age, usually 6+ or 8+) and need an adult nearby. Wash hands after playing.

See our clay and dough for kids; every product page shows the age on the box.

7. Noise, ride-ons and outdoor toys

• Very loud toys shouldn't be held right next to a child's ear; many have a volume switch.
• Bikes, scooters and ride-ons: use a helmet, and keep them away from stairs and roads.
• Pools always need an adult watching, even shallow ones.

8. Keep toys clean

• Wipe plastic baby toys with warm soapy water once a week, and after illness.
• Soft toys: check the label; many can go in a washing bag on a gentle cycle.
• Throw away toys that are cracked, have sharp edges or are falling apart.

Quick checklist

Check	Look for
Age	The age on the box fits the youngest child who will play with it
Small parts	Nothing fits through a toilet-roll tube (for under 3s)
Batteries	Screw-closed battery cover
Magnets	Sealed inside, no loose pieces
Cords	Short, nothing that can loop round a neck
Clay and dough	"Non-toxic" on the box; check for wheat if needed

Not sure if a toy suits your child's age? WhatsApp us on 0346 0113593 and we will tell you what the box says. For baby ideas, see baby toys month by month.

How to order: order on the website and pay cash on delivery anywhere in Pakistan (Rs 200 courier, 3–5 working days), or collect free from our shop at Packages Mall, Lahore, usually ready within 1 hour. Prices on this page were checked in October 2026 and can change.