Top tips for buying toys

2. Examine goods to ensure they carry safety symbols or signs, e.g. CE Mark (this should be found on all toys, electrical products and gas appliances), BEAB Approval (British Electro Technical Approvals Board), Kite mark, Cigarette / Match resistant label on furniture.

3. Read all warnings carefully and follow any operating instructions.

4. Keep receipts as proof of purchase.

5. Only use goods or equipment for the purpose for which they are intended, e.g. they are suitable for the child’s age.

6. Don’t let young children play with older children’s toys.

7. Check toys for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points.

8. Dispose of any toy that is in poor repair.

9. Keep play areas tidy.

10. Supervise young children at play. Although toys are involved in over 40,000 accidents each year, their safety is only part of the problem. Many accidents involving toys occur when people trip over them and when babies play with toys intended for older children. All goods on sale to the public must be SAFE for their intended use. The responsibility to supply safe consumer goods applies all the way down from the manufacturer to the retailer. This means, that products being sold should comply with any relevant legislation or recognised safety standard.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Environmental Health Service by telephoning 028 9250 9394 or email [email protected]