Some toys and items around the home can be a potential choking hazard for small children.
Babies and toddlers often place things in their mouths. Small items such as buttons, coins, rubber balls and lollies can all be a choking risk, as can parts that come off faulty toys. Large pieces of fruit and food can also pose a risk.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Red Nose recommend always giving children under three years of age toys that:
- are strong
- won’t break into small, brittle parts that can cut, choke or cause suffocation
- have large shapes that babies can easily pick up and sort through
- are safe if babies place them in their mouths
- small hands can easily hold, shake or rattle
- have simple actions, surprises or sounds and pictures
- have simple letters or numbers
Families should check warning labels to see if a product such as toy is appropriate for the age of their child. If you are concerned about a toy or other product you can check the ACCC’s Product Safety website to see if the product has been recalled due to a defect.
To help you identify toys and other objects that can pose choking hazards, the ACCC has a free Choke Check tool.
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