Toy Safety, Made Simple✨
Toy safety is one of the biggest questions we get asked (and quite rightly). When you’re buying for a baby, toddler, or child that you love, you want to feel confident that what you’re bringing home is safe, and suitable.🌿
Toy safety testing is carried out by the manufacturers (the toy brands) and, where required, by independent test laboratories, to check toys meet the relevant UK and European safety standards.
So What are UKCA and CE marks?🏷️
You’ll often see UKCA or CE on toys and packaging.
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UKCA stands for UK Conformity Assessed. It shows a product is intended to meet the UK’s safety requirements.
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CE is a mark used to show a product meets the relevant European safety requirements.
In plain English: these marks are there to show the toy should meet the safety rules it’s meant to meet.
What do the marks cover?✅
Safety standards cover lots of things, including:
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How a toy is made (so it won’t easily break into dangerous pieces)
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Small parts and choking risks
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Sharp points and edges
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Materials and finishes (including paints and coatings)
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Labelling and age guidance
What should I look for as a parent (or gift-buyer)?🧸
Here are a few simple things that genuinely help:
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Check the age guidance
Age labels aren’t just suggestions. They’re often linked to safety testing (especially around small parts).
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Look for clear labelling
You should be able to see who made it, where it’s from, and any warnings that matter.
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Avoid mystery-marketplace toys
If you can’t tell who made it, where it came from, or why it’s so cheap, it’s worth being cautious.
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Choose sturdy, well-made toys
A toy that feels solid, with good-quality stitching and finishes, usually gives you that extra peace of mind, especially for little ones who love to chew, throw, and generally put toys through their paces.
How to shop with confidence🛡️
Buying from trusted brands and suppliers makes a real difference, especially when you’re shopping for babies and toddlers. Look for clear safety labelling, sensible age guidance, and toys that feel well made and sturdy. Independent toy shops often choose ranges in person at trade shows, which means quality can be checked up close before anything is stocked.
A quick note on what safety standards actually cover✔️
Safety standards aren’t just about choking hazards. They cover things like how easily a toy breaks, sharp edges, and the materials and finishes used, so you can feel more confident about what’s going into little hands (and mouths). It’s why details matter, like smooth wooden edges and child-safe, water-based paints.
The good news is: everything we stock is chosen with safety in mind. If you’re ever unsure what’s suitable for a certain age, just ask, we’re always happy to help💕
