Buying toys for children: what parents should look for in safety, materials and play value

Toys for children should be suitable for their age, safely made and genuinely useful in everyday life. With colourful product photos, broad claims and long lists of accessories, choosing the right one isn’t always easy. Important details can be easy to miss, particularly with motor skills toys, soft-play climbing sets and educational toys.

Three common buying misconceptions crop up especially often:

• An age recommendation is taken as a safety guarantee in itself. It doesn’t replace checking for small parts, accessible zips or the need for supervision.
• “Soft” is automatically assumed to mean sturdy and durable. For foam building blocks and climbing equipment for children, density, covers, stability and connections all matter.
• What’s included is judged only by looking at the product photo. Accessories such as balls, batteries, USB cables or edging pieces may be missing or sold separately.

That’s why it’s worth taking a structured look at materials, dimensions, cleaning and intended use, whether you’re shopping for your family, a nursery, a kindergarten or a school.

The most important things to consider when buying toys for children

1. Age recommendation and supervision

The age recommendation should match your child’s actual stage of development. Toys for ages 3+ may contain small parts that pose a choking risk to younger children. For toys for toddlers, rounded shapes, an easy-to-grip size and robust construction are important.

Even when a toy is suitable for your child’s age, how it’s used still matters:

• Set up climbing and active play toys on a clear, level surface.
• Bath toys require constant supervision; only fill the bath shallowly, in line with your child’s age.
• Toys with a battery or USB connection should be charged by an adult.
• When using throwing toys and blasters, protect eyes, faces, animals and bystanders.

2. Materials, safety information and construction

For plastic toys, information about the materials and their chemical properties can be helpful. When buying foam motor skills toys, look for a firm core, hard-wearing covers and concealed fastenings.

EN 71 covers several areas of European toy safety. EN71-1 covers mechanical and physical properties, among other things; EN71-2 covers flammability; and EN71-3 covers the migration of certain elements. Any standard mentioned should be treated as a product claim and considered alongside the labelling on the packaging and product page.

According to the product information, the BanaSuper climbing set complies with EN71-1, EN71-2, EN71-3 and the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. Other products, however, may only provide information about materials or recommended age. These differences should factor into your buying decision.

3. Space, cleaning and what’s included

A soft-play climbing set needs plenty of room to move around. Before buying, check:

1. What are the dimensions of each piece?
2. Are there non-slip bases or connecting pieces?
3. Can the covers be removed and washed?
4. Does the product need to air out or expand after delivery?
5. Which pieces are actually included?

According to the product description, vacuum-packed foam products can take up to 24 or 48 hours to regain their full shape. For children’s puzzle mats, also check whether edging pieces are included and whether you can extend the play area later.

Recommendations for different types of users

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

Benrita Interlocking Foam Floor Mats, 6 Pack

Why this product suits this profile: The six EVA foam mats are ideal for creating a compact play area at home, in a child’s bedroom or in a classroom.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The interlocking system makes assembly straightforward. The stated number of pieces and the edging strips make it easier to plan the space you’ll need.

Key benefits and strengths

EVA foam, interlocking pieces and, according to the product description, easy cleaning.

Ideal for: Quality-conscious buyers

BanaSuper Foam Climbing Blocks for Children, 7-piece set

Why this product suits this profile: This set is for families and organisations looking to combine climbing, crawling and building in an indoor play area.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

According to the product information, the set has concealed zips, hook-and-loop fastenings, a non-slip base and washable covers.

Key benefits and strengths

Seven foam pieces, different ways to arrange them and, according to the product information, compliance with EN71 and toy safety regulations.

Ideal for: Specific uses and frequent use

Falling Sticks Catching Game Toy

Why this product suits this profile: This reaction game is ideal for family game nights and indoor activities with children aged three and over.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information specifies that it’s for ages three and over, contains small parts and requires supervision. This helps prevent unsuitable purchases based on the age recommendation.

Key benefits and strengths

Three adjustable drop speeds, USB charging and dimensions of 38,5 × 21,5 cm, according to the product description.

Choose toys for children to suit the way they play

• Motor skills toys: Gripping, stacking, sorting and connecting help develop different movements. According to the product information, Fidl Bitz with 320 foam cubes is intended for children aged three and over; direct supervision is required because it contains small parts.
• Active play toys: Soft-play climbing sets, foam building blocks for children and crawling modules need plenty of floor space. Check them regularly for cracks, loose stitching and unstable connections.
• Outdoor toys: According to the description, a Mondo sand bucket set is suitable from ten months and contains six pieces. After playing with water or sand, clean the pieces and let them dry completely.
• Bath toys: According to the product information, the Fisher-Price WaterMates Duck Ball is suitable for children from three months to three years. Use it only in shallow water and with constant supervision.
• Family games: Reaction and dexterity games are great for playing together, as long as you take the age recommendation, small parts and set-up requirements into account.

FAQs about toys for children

How long do foam toys for children last?

Their lifespan depends on how often they’re used, how they’re stored, the materials and how they’re cleaned. Store foam pieces in a dry place and check them regularly for distortion, cracks and damaged covers. Washable covers make it easier to keep things hygienic, but they don’t replace safety checks.

How do you clean children’s puzzle mats?

Remove any loose dirt, then wipe the mats with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Don’t leave them sitting in water, and let them dry completely before putting them back together. Always follow the care instructions for the product.

Which toys are suitable for toddlers?

For toddlers, choose age-appropriate toys that are easy to grip and don’t have small parts they can access. The specific age recommendation, warnings and intended use are all important. Adult supervision is required when using climbing, bath and active play toys.