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Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets

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Children's Toys

Because play is a very important part of a child's development, toys should be chosen with great care. Do the toys you buy for your child score well on this check list?

  • Is the toy safe? Do the toys have sharp points or edges? Toys should not be made from brittle materials that could break easily. Toys should not have long cords or strings that could wrap around a child's neck.
  • Is the toy suitable for the child? Does it challenge his or her skills? A toy that is too complicated or one that is too simple will bore and frustrate the child very quickly.
  • Is the toy suitable for the child's age? Toys suited for older children may be very dangerous to infants.
  • Does the toy keep the child's interest? Toys that can be used in a variety of ways will be more likely to keep the child's interest longer.
  • Are the toys functional? A toy should do what it is supposed to do - wheels should turn freely and the parts should all fit together.
  • Watch out for toys with small parts that could be swallowed or inhaled.
  • Be careful of toys that could pinch or trap a small child's fingers.

The Canadian Toy Testing Council is an independent organization of people concerned with the safety of toys. Each year it publishes a report evaluating hundreds of toys.

Copies are available from:

The Canadian Toy Testing Council
Box 6014 Station J
Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1T1

The Hazardous Products Act regulates toy designs to remove hazards that could seriously harm a child. The use of corrosive, irritating or poisonous chemicals is prohibited. The law also provides standards limiting electrical, fire and mechanical dangers.

Before buying any toy for a child, carefully evaluate the safety of the toy, considering the age and ability of the child and any other children who might also play with the toy.

For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.