Toy Safety

1. Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center • The Right Toys at the Right Ages • Toys should be large enough – at least 1 ¼” in diameter and 2 ¼” in length – so that they can’t be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. A small-parts tester or choke tube, can determine if a toy is too small. If you can’t find one of these products, a toilet paper roll can be used for the same purpose. • Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are 1 ¾” in diameter or less because they can become lodged in the throat above the windpipe and restrict breathing. • When checking a toy for a baby or toddler, make sure it’s unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing. Make sure it doesn’t have sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose. Toy Safety Make a Tube Toy Tester Get an empty toilet paper roll. Take a small toy and see if it will fit through the toilet paper roll. Give toys that do not fit through the toilet paper roll to your child. Always read labels to make sure a toy is appropriate for your child’s age. Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center www.ohsu.edu/childsafety