Introduction to Toy Safety
• The safety of children is the toy industry’s top priority. The British Toy and Hobby Association, the BTHA, is the official body representing Britain’s £2 billion toy market. To belong to the Association, toy manufacturers must make their toys to strict toy safety standards. The BTHA would like to see unsafe toys excluded from Britain so the Lion Mark was launched in 1989 to help you to identify safe toys. 
It tells you which toys have been made to the highest toy safety standards currently in force. The Lion Mark is a consumer symbol for safety and quality. It also shows that the toy is covered by the strict BTHA code of practice which includes rules for advertising, fake toys and factory safety.
• Toy safety standards apply to toys intended for a child of less than 14 years. There are specific requirements for children under 36 months.
• The safety of a toy is no accident! It is the result of careful design, manufacture and packaging. For example rattles and teethers are subjected to a small parts cylinder test as well as twisting, pulling, squeezing and drop tests to ensure that there are no small parts which could cause choking or any sharp edges or sharp points. The cords of cot toys, on a chiming toy or a pull-along toy for a toddler are checked to prevent a child being strangled by cords that can form a noose around the neck. Liquid-filled teethers are tested to ensure that there is no splitting or leakage which could lead to leakage of contaminated liquids.
• The safety record for toys is excellent. Toy safety has a very good track record. It is worth noting that less than 2% of all accidents to children involve toys and even in these instances the toy is rarely the cause of the accident. Accidents can occur if a toy is used for a purpose for which it was not intended or if a toy suitable for an older child gets into the hands of a child too young to play with it properly. Generous and adoring grandparents often think their 2 year old grandchild is a genius and are likely to buy a toy intended for a much older child. Choosing and using toys wisely is an essential part of helping your child get the most of out toys and play. Leaving toys lying around the house - for example on the stairs - can also lead to accidents.