How to Choose Baby Toys: What You Need to Know to Select Safe Toys

What criteria do you use when choosing a baby toy?

"Will my baby like it?"
"Will they play with it for a long time?"
"I want a cute design."

While you consider many things when choosing, since it's something your baby will use, you also care about "whether it's a safe toy."

Babies, in particular, don't just touch toys with their hands; they play by putting them in their mouths, licking them, and pulling them.

That's why, when choosing a toy, it's important to know a little about safety, along with design and fun.

Here, we will explain the key points to know when choosing baby toys, as simply as possible.

First, check the "Target Age"

When choosing a toy, the first thing to check is the target age. Even for the same type of toy, the safety design differs between toys for babies and toys for slightly older children.

Especially for babies under 3 years old, who often put things they pick up into their mouths,

• Are there any small parts?

• Are there any easily detachable parts?

• Are there any sharp parts?

• Are strings or cords too long?

These are also important points.

It's not just "because it's cute," but also "Is it appropriate for my baby's current age?"

Just adding this perspective makes toy selection a little more reassuring.

@__kaychan__33

Know your "Safety Marks"

Toys may have marks indicating safety checks.

When choosing toys sold in Japan, it's important to know about the ST Mark.

The ST Mark is displayed on toys that have been confirmed through inspection to comply with the Toy Safety Standards established by the Japan Toy Association.

Various inspections are carried out with children's use in mind, such as mechanical and physical safety regarding shape and strength, flammability, and more.

Additionally, as of December 25, 2025, the "Children's PSC Mark" system for toys intended for children under 3 years old began. "Since it's a baby's toy, I want to choose a product that has been checked for safety."

It's good to remember this as one of the signs to look for when you have such thoughts.

Click here for more details about the PSC mark (METI Journal)

If it's an overseas toy, also check for the "CE Mark"

When choosing overseas toys, you might see the CE Mark.

The CE Mark indicates conformity with safety, health, environmental, and other requirements based on EU law.

The EU toy safety regulations include a system to ensure safety regarding chemical, physical, mechanical, and electrical hazards, flammability, and hygiene, taking into account children's use.

Therefore, when choosing overseas toys, checking for the CE Mark can also be a guide for toy selection.

Both the ST Mark and the CE Mark are systems to confirm various items to ensure children can play safely. While standards and displays differ by country, the concept of "protecting children's safety" is common.

"Material" is also an important point when choosing baby toys

Babies don't just touch toys with their hands. They lick, bite, and tightly grip them.

It is important to check what materials they are made of.

Especially for toys intended for babies to put in their mouths, such as teethers and rattles, it is reassuring to choose products where the materials and paints can be verified.

Toy packaging is not obligated to list every single material in detail. That's why it's important to check whether you can find out what materials are used on the product page or manufacturer's website.

Let's pay attention to such details.

A little caution with small parts

Another thing to remember when choosing baby toys is "small parts."

Babies sometimes put things they see into their mouths.

Therefore, it is important to carefully check whether items with small beads or detachable parts are suitable for babies to use.

For example, a strap made as an accessory and a toy made according to safety standards with a baby's play in mind have different purposes.

Is it made "for babies to play with"?

This is an important point that cannot be judged by a cute design alone.

@__kaychan__33

Where you buy is also part of toy selection

To choose a safe toy, you can also look at **"who is selling it"** in addition to the product itself.

Is information about the manufacturer or brand properly listed?

Can you check the product's target age, materials, and usage precautions?

Is the contact information clear?

Choosing from specialty stores or department stores that have long dealt with toys is one method.

When purchasing online, check if the necessary information is properly listed on the product page.

Instead of just "because it's cheap" or "because it's cute,"

"Can I properly learn about this product?"

Having this perspective will change your toy selection a little.

The important thing is not to be scared, but to "know and choose"

Baby toys offer many discoveries in daily play.

Making sounds. Gripping it. Licking it.
Finding a favorite toy and playing with it over and over again.

That's why we want to choose toys that babies can play with safely, after knowing what's necessary about safety.

You don't need to know all the safety marks and inspections in detail.

First,

Check the target age.
Look for safety labels.
Check the materials.
Check for small parts.
Choose from reliable manufacturers or retailers.

And no matter how safely a toy is made, it's important for parents to supervise when the baby is playing. When purchasing, double-check, "Is this okay for my baby to use?"

Instead of just thinking, "It's sold in a store, so it must be fine," it's important for you to check the target age, precautions, and whether there are any small parts at home.

Sophie, because she's a baby's "first toy"

Sophie la Girafe was born in France in 1961. Sophie is a toy for babies, designed for them to play with by gripping, biting, and touching.

Because it's something babies interact with daily, we also place great importance on materials and safety. The time spent choosing a toy is also a time to imagine the baby's future days.

May you find a toy that makes you think, "I can let my baby play with this safely."

And may the time spent with that small toy become a happy memory for your baby. 🦒🤍

Things to check when choosing baby toys

□ Is the target age appropriate for your baby?
□ Have you checked the safety labels and precautions?
□ Have you checked for ST marks or Children's PSC marks?
□ If it's an imported toy, have you checked for CE marks?
□ Can you confirm the materials and paints used?
□ Are there any small or easily detachable parts?
□ Can you find information about the manufacturer or seller?

By making these small checks, you can choose the perfect toy for your baby.