In New York City, children often play in smaller living spaces, shared apartments, and busy households — making toy safety an essential concern for parents and caregivers. While toys are meant to bring joy and encourage development, unsafe products or improper use can lead to serious harm, especially for young children.
Understanding common toy-related hazards can help NYC families make informed choices and reduce preventable injuries.
- Pay Close Attention to Age Labels
Age recommendations on toys are based on extensive research into child development and known safety risks. Toys designed for older children may include small parts, magnets, or mechanical components that are not safe for infants and toddlers. According to pediatric injury research, children under age 3 are particularly vulnerable to choking and airway obstruction from toy components not designed for their age group.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets safety standards for toys sold in the U.S., including requirements for labeling and design to address these risks. Toys that do not meet these standards may pose serious dangers.
Key takeaway: Age labels are safety guidance — not suggestions.
- Small Parts and Choking Risks in Apartment Living
Choking is one of the most common toy-related hazards for young children. In NYC apartments, where siblings of different ages often share space, small toy parts can easily end up within reach of younger children.
Medical research published in Pediatrics highlights that balls, marbles, detachable toy pieces, and even certain button batteries can block a child’s airway in seconds. Regularly separating toys by age group and storing older children’s toys out of reach can significantly reduce risk.
- Magnets and Button Batteries Require Extra Caution
High-powered magnets and button batteries deserve special attention. When swallowed, multiple magnets can attract each other inside a child’s body, causing severe internal damage. Button batteries can burn through tissue in a short amount of time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have both issued strong warnings regarding toys and household items containing these components. Many emergency room visits involving children are linked to unsecured battery compartments or unmarked magnet hazards.
- Strangulation and Suffocation Hazards
Toys with long strings, cords, or elastic components can pose serious risks, particularly in confined living spaces like apartments or shared bedrooms. In addition, plastic packaging — commonly used for toys — can present suffocation hazards and should be discarded immediately after opening.
The CPSC consistently advises parents to remove packaging materials promptly and to avoid toys with cords longer than recommended safety limits.
- Chemical Safety and Imported Toys
New York City families often shop online or at local discount stores, where toys may come from third-party sellers or international manufacturers. Some studies have identified harmful substances — including lead and other toxic chemicals — in toys that do not meet U.S. safety regulations.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center emphasizes choosing toys labeled non-toxic and compliant with ASTM safety standards, particularly for items children may chew on or place in their mouths.
- Loud Toys and Hearing Damage
Toys that produce loud or sudden noises — such as electronic devices, toy weapons, or sound-activated games — can damage a child’s hearing over time. Research from pediatric health experts shows that prolonged exposure to loud sounds, especially at close range, can contribute to long-term hearing loss.
Testing toys yourself before giving them to a child and limiting playtime with high-volume toys can help protect hearing health.
- Monitor Wear and Tear
Even toys that were originally safe can become dangerous as they age. Broken seams, exposed wires, cracked plastic, or loose components can create sharp edges or choking hazards. Regularly inspecting toys — especially those used daily — is an important part of keeping children safe.
Discard or repair toys that no longer function as intended or show signs of damage.
- Stay Updated on Toy Recalls
Toy recalls happen more often than many parents realize. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a public database of recalled children’s products, including toys sold both online and in stores throughout New York City.
Checking recall notices before purchasing or gifting a toy can prevent exposure to known hazards and product defects.
Protecting NYC Families Starts with Awareness
In a city as fast-paced as New York, safety can sometimes take a back seat to convenience. However, informed toy choices and regular supervision can dramatically reduce the risk of serious childhood injuries.
When a child is harmed due to a defective or unsafe toy, families may have legal options. A knowledgeable New York City personal injury attorney can help parents understand their rights and pursue accountability when manufacturers or distributors fail to meet safety standards. Children deserve safe spaces to play.