Buy sturdy toys
Young children must have sturdy toys, which can withstand being thrown, bitten and torn without breaking. Feel the toy before you buy it. Make sure small parts are securely fastened. Rattles and teethers for infants should not have small parts that can loosen and clog the child's airways. To avoid the risk of suffocation, balls and other round toys should preferably be at least five centimetres in diameter, i.e. larger than a golf ball.
On soft stuffed animals, dolls and teddy bears, check that the seams appear durable. Also feel free to ask the seller what the filling consists of. Keep in mind that the filling may also contain small parts that can clog the airways.
Avoid long strings and ropes
Also, keep in mind that toys with long strings and ropes can cause suffocation. Toys that are strapped over the cot or pram also immediately become more dangerous when the child starts to get up on their hands and knees.
Does not contain poison
If a soft plastic toy smells bad, it may mean that it contains toxic chemicals.
Avoid hearing damage
Toys with loud noise, such as guns, cell phones, and cars with sirens, can damage hearing. Some people put a piece of tape in front of the speaker on toys to muffle the sound, but this is not a good idea. If the tape falls off, the child can put it in their mouth, and it can pose a choking hazard. It is better to steer clear of the noisiest toys.
Check the labelling
All toys must be CE marked, which shows that the product meets EU safety requirements. Toys that are not suitable for small children must be marked with a warning written in Norwegian. Look at the retailer and only buy toys from serious retailers where the staff in the store can give you information and guidance.