Holiday Toy Safety

New toys and gifts are holiday highlights for many children. Health Canada would like to take this opportunity to remind all Canadians how to minimize potential hazards from new gifts by buying sturdy, well-made toys that are appropriate for your child's age. Toys for older children may contain small parts or other hazards that may make them unsafe for young children. 

Toys can be recalled for health or safety reasons. Check the Healthy Canadians Recalls and Safety Alerts Database for more information about the latest recalls. 


Toy Safety Tips

• Read and follow the age labels, warnings, safety messages and other instructions that come with a toy. Check for contact information of the manufacturer or importer if you have any concerns.
• Dispose immediately all toy packaging like plastic bags, plastic wrap, foam, staples, ties and protective film. A child can suffocate or choke on these items.
• Ensure batteries are not accessible to children and are properly installed by an adult.
• Supervise children at play and teach them to use their new toys safely.

Health Canada recently published Is Your Child Safe? Play Time. This guide provides information for parents and caregivers on how to create a safer play experience inside and outside the home. It also provides tips for making safer choices when selecting and using toys and other children's products.