Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council supports safe toy shopping campaign
Fri, December 04, 2020
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department is supporting the Office of Product Safety and Standards Christmas campaign around safe online shopping for children’s toys.
If you are shopping online this Christmas please follow these top tips to ensure everyone’s safety.
Buy toys from a reputable retailer
Check that there is a name and address for the manufacturer on the site and if this information is not available do not buy the toy. Read ratings and reviews to make sure the retailer has a good reputation for safe and reliable toys.
Always read the warnings and instructions
Heed the age restrictions: toys must be marked with age restrictions based on risks such as choking hazards.
Check that the toy is suitable for the intended recipient
Festive novelties can look like toys when they should be kept away from children. If a child has special needs, they may be more vulnerable to certain toys.
Ensure the toy has not been recalled. Click here to check if the toy you are buying has been recalled.
Check for button batteries. If a toy has button batteries make sure they are safely behind a screwed-down flap.
Beware of potential toy hazards. Avoid buying toys with small parts as they can be a choking hazard. Think before buying toys and costumes with loose ribbons as they can pose strangulation risks to young children.
Buy genuine toys. Compare the toy’s price with other retailers and sellers. If it is a fraction of the cost, it is likely to be counterfeit.
If you would like to find out more about Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s role in consumer protection please email consumerprotection@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
