Main risks

• Choking from small detached parts, buttons, beads or soft toy eyes.
• Strangulation or entanglement from strings, cords, ribbons or elastics on hanging toys.
• Suffocation from plastic bags, wrappers and loose stuffing.
• Ingestion of batteries (especially button/coin cells) or leakage of battery fluid.
• Hearing damage from direct exposure to sounds very close to the ear.
• Entrapment and pinching in mechanisms, clips, wheels or hinges.
• Skin irritation from prolonged contact with unsuitable materials or cleaning products.
• Mould on wet or bath toys if they are not dried properly.
• Falls if activity arches or mobiles are used for support.

Safe use

• Choose toys appropriate to the baby’s age and development and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove all packaging, ties and protectors before first use.
• Inspect daily for open seams, loose parts, sharp edges or cracks.
• Avoid long strings or ribbons; place hanging toys out of the baby’s direct reach.
• With sound toys, keep them away from the ear and adjust the volume if possible.
• If the toy uses batteries: ensure the compartment is secured with a screw, insert the batteries with the correct polarity and do not mix new and used batteries. Keep batteries out of reach.
• In the bath, do not leave the baby unattended; rinse and drain the toys after each use and allow them to dry completely.
• Wash and disinfect according to the manufacturer’s instructions; rinse well to avoid detergent residue.
• For chewing, offer items designed as teethers; prevent the baby from chewing on parts not intended for that purpose.
• Attach toys to the pushchair or cot only with systems provided by the manufacturer; do not improvise with strings or elastic bands.

Storage and maintenance

• Store toys clean and completely dry to prevent mould and unpleasant odours.
• Keep fabric toys in ventilated places and alternate their use to allow complete drying.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight that could deform or degrade materials.
• Sort by size and store small pieces in closed containers, out of the baby’s reach.
• Check periodically and remove damaged toys immediately for repair or replacement.
• Follow the washing instructions; do not boil or microwave unless expressly stated by the manufacturer.
• Replace the batteries when they are flat and remove them if the toy will not be used for a while.
• For bath toys, occasionally disinfect the interior and discard the toy if you detect persistent mould or a strong odour.

Restrictions on use

• Do not place soft toys, cushions, toys or hanging items in the cot or Moses basket during sleep.
• Remove mobiles and activity arches when the baby can sit up or reach them.
• Do not offer toys with breaks, exposed stuffing or flaking paint.
• Do not tie toys to the baby’s neck, wrist or ankle.
• Do not use toys as support for climbing or to fasten cot rails.
• Do not submerge toys with electrical components unless they are designed for it.
• Do not share teethers between babies if they cannot be cleaned properly.
• Do not allow older siblings to give the baby small parts from their own toys.