The short answer
A 31–36-month-old may take toys apart, climb on them or put loose pieces in their mouth. Check each toy for age suitability, damage and small parts, secure battery compartments, keep strong magnets away and check recalls. Separate toys with small pieces when older and younger children play together.
In this guide · 7 sections
Keep in mind
- Check toys regularly for damage, loose parts and age suitability.
- Secure button-battery compartments and keep loose batteries and strong magnets away.
- Separate small-part toys and check the manufacturer and current recall notices, especially for second-hand items.
How can you do a quick toy safety check?
Look for loose screws, cracked plastic, splinters, exposed wires, broken wheels and small parts that have come loose. Check stuffed toys for detached eyes or noses, torn seams or filling coming out. Remove a damaged toy if it cannot be repaired safely.
Why do batteries and magnets need special care?
A swallowed button battery can cause serious internal injury quickly. Make sure battery compartments are secured with a screw or other child-resistant closure. If a battery is missing or may have been swallowed, seek urgent medical help; do not wait for symptoms or try to make your child vomit.
Swallowing more than one strong magnet can trap and damage bowel tissue. Suspected magnet ingestion also needs urgent medical assessment.
What should you check on ride-on and climbing toys?
Choose a stable toy suited to your child’s age and size, and use it on level ground away from stairs, traffic, pools and slopes. Secure furniture or climbing equipment that could tip. Use a properly fitted helmet for wheeled toys when recommended.
How should you store toys?
Keep long cords and plastic bags out of reach. Put heavy toys on low shelves, and check that toy chests cannot trap a child or close unsafely. Store small parts, button batteries and strong magnets separately from toys used by younger children.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- If a button battery or strong magnet may have been swallowed, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately for guidance; do not wait for symptoms. Call 911 for choking, difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness or another life-threatening emergency.
- Seek medical care for a serious cut, eye injury, burn, head injury or a child who becomes significantly unwell.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – How to Buy Safe Toys
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – How Small Batteries Can Become Dangerous to Children
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Button Cell and Coin Batteries
- www.cpsc.gov — regional guidance
- www.cpsc.gov — regional guidance
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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