Christmas is fast approaching and Kidsafe Victoria is offering a free resource to help Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay parents and carers make safe toy choices.
The Christmas Toy Safety Guide 2024 provides practical advice for selecting toys that are safe, age-appropriate, and compliant with safety standards—especially when shopping online or purchasing second-hand.
“We want to equip families with straightforward tips to make safe choices, especially as online and second-hand shopping are becoming increasingly popular,” said Kidsafe Victoria’s Sarah Sexton.
“A few minutes of attention to toy safety can prevent accidents and bring peace of mind during the holiday season.“
Here’s Kidsafe Victoria’s key tips for worry-free Christmas shopping:
Choose age-appropriate gifts: Toys should align with age recommendations to avoid choking hazards.
Remember to check that toys for older children are not within reach of younger ones.
Check safety standards and recalls: Always look for toys that meet Australian safety standards, especially when buying online or from international sellers. Be aware of toy recalls, which are updated on the Product Safety Australia website.
Be battery safe: Ensure toys with batteries have secure compartments, particularly those with button batteries.
Inspect second-hand toys: For those buying second-hand, thoroughly inspect toys for small parts, wear and tear, and potential hazards, such as secure battery compartments.
Ms Sexton said the Christmas Toy Safety Guide 2024 can be downloaded for free from the Kidsafe Victoria website, featuring detailed advice on everything from toy selection to storage and what to do in case of an emergency.
“By following these tips, families can make safe choices that bring smiles to children without compromising safety,” she said.
Information: kidsafevic.com.au
