Read on Twitter
The age grading on toys is super important to follow from a safety standpoint.
Thread from me, a previous toy designer: https://twitter.com/USCPSC/status/1329555023311810561
Thread from me, a previous toy designer: https://twitter.com/USCPSC/status/1329555023311810561
1. Things for ages 3+ go through different testing guidelines then things for kiddos under 3.
The main difference is how water soluble (aka saliva) the toy is. Basically, if a toy has a paper element, does it dissolve in water? Kids under 3 will put anything in their mouth.
The main difference is how water soluble (aka saliva) the toy is. Basically, if a toy has a paper element, does it dissolve in water? Kids under 3 will put anything in their mouth.
2. Choking hazard: there is a special tool called a "choke tube" which looks like a little plastic cup.
If a toy or element of a toy can fit in the tube, it means a child could swallow it. This is obviously very dangerous if not followed.
If a toy or element of a toy can fit in the tube, it means a child could swallow it. This is obviously very dangerous if not followed.
3. Chemicals: All toys in the US have to have no harmful chemicals, like lead.
Art sets that include wet supplies (paint, ink markers, etc) for children are required to have additional test to prove they are without harmful chemicals.
Art sets that include wet supplies (paint, ink markers, etc) for children are required to have additional test to prove they are without harmful chemicals.
4. Magnetic elements: if a toy is magnetic, there's a special warning required on packaging.
Special warnings: there are additional labels for products that contain things like balloons, marbles, slime/liquids, leather (usually for jewelry making kits), etc.
Special warnings: there are additional labels for products that contain things like balloons, marbles, slime/liquids, leather (usually for jewelry making kits), etc.
5. Electronics should come with a UL certification which basically says they've been tested and with normal use shouldn't do things like catch on fire or electrocute you.
6. Batch information: All toys made after Aug 2009. are required to be labeled with tracking information, which includes the company name, manufacture date, batch number, and place of manufacture.
