How to Choose Safe Toys for Children of All Ages? A Practical Guide for Parents

Choosing a toy for our children goes far beyond looking at its attractive design or whether it's fashionable.

Each toy accompanies a key moment in their development and, above all, must be SAFE for the child's age.

In this practical guide, we want to help you understand how to choose the right toys, what signs you should look for on the packaging, and what it really means when a product has certifications like the CE, which guarantees that it meets European safety standards.

At Micro Espacio, we design and manufacture educational toys that, in addition to fostering creativity, respect child safety.

In fact, we are currently in the process of obtaining CE certification, a critical step in ensuring families that our products meet the strictest European standards.

The importance of toy safety

Toys are not just entertainment.

They are tools for learning, exploration, and family bonding. However, if they don't meet certain requirements, they can become a risk.

• Choking hazard: parts too small for children under 3 years.
• Toxic materials: plastics with phthalates, lead paints.
• Poor design: sharp edges, easily broken parts.

This is where the CE mark comes into play, indicating that a toy has passed tests for resistance, toxicity, and mechanical safety.

As Educo points out on its blog, looking at these certifications is an essential first filter.

Factors to consider before buying a toy

1. Recommended age
   Each toy has a suggested age range. This isn't an arbitrary suggestion: it's based on development and safety testing.
2. Materials
   Always look for toys made from non-toxic, durable, and, where possible, sustainable materials. At Micro Espacio, for example, we use PLA, a plant-based bioplastic.
3. Certifications
   CE: mandatory in Europe.
   EN71: European standard regulating physical and chemical safety.
   ASTM: international standard.
4. Design
   Avoid toys with sharp edges, parts that can easily come loose, or that are too heavy for a child's hands.

How to choose safe toys according to the child's age

0-12 months: Discovering the world

• Soft toys, teethers, rattles.
• No small pieces or edges.
• Important: washable and saliva resistant.

1-3 years: Curiosity and movement

• Large building blocks.
• Pull-along or lace-up toys.
• Avoid small parts due to choking hazard.

3-6 years: Imagination without limits

• Role-playing games (kitchens, dolls, houses).
• Safe modular constructions.
• Puzzles with few large pieces.

6-9 years: Logic and creativity

• More complex construction games (like our Micro Blocs).
• Simple board games.
• Crafts with safe materials.

9-12 years: Challenges and autonomy

• Science and experimentation kits.
• Technical constructions.
• Strategy games.

Common mistakes when choosing toys (and how to avoid them)

• Thinking that “to grow faster” an advanced toy is better: choosing a toy that is too complex can frustrate the child.
• Not reading the safety label: the recommended age is not a whim.
• Forget supervision: no toy replaces the presence of an adult.

Why is CE certification so important?

The CE mark is not just a logo: it means that the toy meets European Union safety requirements in areas such as flammability, resistance, toxicity, and the risk of small parts.

At Micro Espacio, we are in the process of obtaining CE certification because we believe every family deserves the peace of mind that the toys that enter their home have been verified and meet the highest safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if a toy does not have the CE mark?
It shouldn't be for sale in the EU. It's best to avoid it, as it hasn't passed the mandatory safety tests. We don't have it yet, but we're working on it.

2. Do wooden or handmade toys also have to meet safety standards?
Yes. Although they are more sustainable, they must also comply with EN71 and be free of toxic varnishes.

3. How can I tell if a toy is appropriate for my child's age?
Always read the label, consider your child's development, and avoid unnecessary risks. When in doubt, choose simple, developmental toys.

Conclusion

Choosing safe toys for our children is not a minor detail; it's an investment in their well-being, development, and peace of mind for the entire family.

Remember:

• Always look at the recommended age.
• Look at the materials and certifications.
• Prefer evolutionary toys that grow with your child.

At Micro Espacio, we work every day to ensure our toys are educational, creative, and safe. The CE certification process we're currently undertaking is a testament to our commitment to families.

Because in the end, a good toy not only entertains: it accompanies, teaches and protects.