Safe Toy Awareness Month: Your Guide to Children's Toy Safety

Why Children’s Toy Safety Matters for Eye Health

Children explore their world with curiosity and energy, which is why toy-related eye injuries are more common than many parents realize. A toy does not have to look dangerous to cause harm. Fast-moving parts, sharp edges, or small pieces can all put a child’s eyes at risk. Toy-related accidents can lead to scratches on the eye, bruising or blunt trauma, cuts to the eyelids, and infections or irritation.

The holiday season often brings a big wave of new toys into the home. Kids are excited, routines are busier, and playtime can become more energetic and less supervised. All of these factors create a perfect environment for accidental eye injuries. By focusing on toy safety during Safe Toy Awareness Month and throughout the holiday season, parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of eye injuries and help children enjoy their new gifts safely.

How to Choose Safe Toys for Children

Picking the right toys is one of the easiest ways to protect your child’s eyes. The goal is not to remove the fun, but to avoid toys that are more likely to scratch, poke, or hit the eyes. Use the tips below as a quick checklist when you’re shopping online or in-store.

Make Sure They’re Age-Appropriate

Choose toys that are suitable for your child’s age and developmental level. Toy manufacturers provide age guidelines for a reason; they ensure that the toys meet your child’s cognitive and physical capabilities. Follow the age guidelines on the box, especially for children under 6. Toys made for older kids may have small parts, fast-moving pieces, or heavier materials that are not safe for younger children. Also check for safety information, such as warnings about projectiles, small parts, or chemicals. If a toy has multiple warning labels, it may not be the best option for younger kids.

Be Careful with Small Parts

Toys with small or detachable pieces can be choking hazards, especially for younger children. Ensure all parts are larger than a child’s mouth to prevent accidental ingestion. Test attachments, like hats, shoes, and accessories on dolls or figures. If they come off easily, they may not be suitable for younger kids.

Small toy parts can also quickly get into your child’s eyes and cause damage and discomfort. If the toy piece is small enough, it may even get stuck. Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear. If the pieces are starting to loosen or break, it’s time to repair or retire the toy.

Choose Durable, Well-Made Toys

A toy that breaks easily can quickly turn into a hazard, while cheap toys can break into sharp pieces that could damage the eyes. Pick toys made from solid, shatter-resistant materials and avoid toys that feel flimsy, bend sharply when pulled, or have pieces that seem like they could snap off under pressure. For ride-on toys, sports toys, and active play items, look for high-quality construction that can handle normal use without falling apart.

Inspect for Sharp Edges

Some toys look harmless but have rough seams or small, sharp areas that could scratch a child’s eye. Run your fingers along the toy’s edges to identify any potential risks. If anything feels rough, sharp, or pointy, choose a different option. You should also avoid toys with exposed metal parts, wires, or thin rods that could bend and poke.

Avoid Toys with Projectiles

Toys that shoot projectiles can be hazardous to a child’s eyesight. Even “soft” foam darts and small plastic pellets can cause serious eye injuries if they hit the eye at high speed. Whenever possible, skip toys that shoot, launch, or fire objects, especially for younger children. If you do choose these types of toys, always supervise playtime and use appropriate protective gear if needed. Be sure to set clear rules: no aiming at the face or eyes, no shooting at close range, and no play in crowded rooms.

Safe Play Habits for Every Age

Choosing safer toys is the first step, but how children use those toys is just as important. Teaching age-appropriate play habits can dramatically lower the risk of eye injuries, especially when kids are excited, active, or playing with siblings and friends.

• Babies and Toddlers (0-3 Years): Stick to soft, lightweight toys without hard edges or sharp corners. Keep toys with small parts far out of reach and avoid letting little ones walk or run while holding toys, especially ones with handles or sticks.

• Preschoolers (3-5 Years): Teach simple rules like “toys stay below the shoulder” and “never aim at someone’s face or eyes.” Store older children’s toys separately so preschoolers are not tempted by items that are not meant for them and encourage calm, sit-down play rather than running with toys in hand.

• School-Aged Kids (6-12 Years): Go over safety rules before using sports toys, projectiles, or ride-on equipment. Encourage protective eyewear for high-impact activities and remind kids that laser pointers, bright flashlights, and light-up toys should never be aimed at someone's eyes.

• Teens: Stress the importance of safety gear, including eye protection, for activities like airsoft, paintball, woodworking, metalworking, or automotive projects. Talk about the long-term impact of eye injuries and encourage them to model safe behavior for younger siblings.

What to Do If a Toy Injures Your Child’s Eye

Even with the safest toys and best playtime rules, accidents can still happen. When they do, staying calm and knowing what to do next can help protect your child’s vision. If you think a toy has injured your child’s eye, stay calm and reassure your child. Gently remind them to keep their hands away from their face, as rubbing can make scratches worse or push a foreign object deeper into the eye. If you see something embedded in the eye or eyelid, do not pull it out. If a mild irritant (like dust, dirt, or a small amount of non-toxic liquid) appears to be in the eye, you can gently rinse with clean, room-temperature water or saline.

Some minor irritations may improve quickly, but many toy-related eye injuries need professional attention. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to a child’s vision. You should contact an eye doctor as soon as possible if your child has redness that doesn’t improve, ongoing watering, complaints of pain, squinting, or blurry vision. However, you should seek emergency care right away if you notice:

• A cut or gash on the eyelid or around the eye

• An object stuck in the eye or eyelid

• Blood in the eye

• A sudden change or loss of vision

• A chemical, spray, or unknown substance splashed into the eye

• Severe pain or your child is unable/unwilling to open their eye