Are VintaToys toys safe for children?

Yes. All VintaToys products meet the European safety requirements for toys, as set out in the EN 71 standards. This means they have been tested for mechanical safety, flammability and chemical safety. In this article we explain what those standards mean, how to read CE marks and age labels, and what you as a parent can look out for yourself.

How does VintaToys ensure its toys are safe?

At VintaToys, children’s safety always comes first. That’s why all our products meet the European safety requirements for toys. Thanks to EN 71 certification, you know that VintaToys toys:

• are free from harmful substances;
• are safe to hold and to put in the mouth;
• are durable enough to withstand intensive play.

Alongside safety, we pay a lot of attention to play value. Our toys are designed to encourage imagination, creativity and motor development. Much of our range is made from durable materials such as silicone and wood, making it both child-friendly and environmentally friendly. Read more about silicone as a material in why silicone toys are perfect for your child.

What does EN 71 certification mean?

EN 71 is the European standard for toy safety. Manufacturers use this standard to demonstrate that their toys comply with the European toy safety rules. The standard consists of several parts, each covering a different aspect of safety. The three best known are:

EN 71-1: mechanical and physical properties

Checks that toys have no sharp edges or points, and that no parts come loose or small pieces are created that could be dangerous. This includes, for example, assessing whether parts are small enough to be swallowed, and whether toys can withstand pulling, dropping and biting the way a child would in practice.

EN 71-2: flammability

Examines whether the material doesn’t catch fire easily and poses no fire hazard during normal use. This is especially important for textiles, cuddly toys and dressing-up clothes.

EN 71-3: chemical safety

Tests that no harmful substances, such as certain heavy metals, are released when children touch the toy, lick it or put it in their mouth. For young children, who explore a lot with their mouths, this is an important part.

What is the CE mark on toys?

Toys sold in the European Union must carry a CE mark. With this mark, the manufacturer declares that the product meets the European safety requirements for toys. Good to know:

• The CE mark is not a quality mark from an independent body, but a declaration by the manufacturer or importer. Regulators – in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) – carry out spot checks.
• If a toy has no CE mark, that’s a reason to be extra critical, especially with very cheap toys of unknown origin.
• Besides the CE mark, you’ll usually find the name and address of the manufacturer or importer on the packaging, along with any warnings.

How do you read an age label on toys?

Toys often show an age, such as “3+”. That doesn’t always mean the same thing:

• A recommended age (“from 4 years”) usually relates to what a child enjoys and can manage. It’s a guide, not a safety limit.
• A warning such as “Not suitable for children under 36 months”, often with a round symbol showing a crossed-out child’s face and “0–3”, is a safety warning. It usually means there are small parts that pose a choking hazard. Always take this warning seriously, even if you think your child is ready for it.

Also read the instructions and any notes such as “to be used under the direct supervision of an adult”.

Why are safe toys so important?

Children discover the world through play. In doing so they use all their senses: they feel, pull, throw and sometimes chew on toys. Babies and toddlers in particular put everything in their mouths. Toys must therefore be safe not only during normal use, but also in the ways you can reasonably expect a child to use them: dropping, biting, pulling.

What can you look out for yourself when it comes to safe toys?

Standards and certification are an important foundation, but at home you make the difference. A few practical tips:

• Check the CE mark and the age label with every purchase.
• Inspect toys regularly. Are there cracks, are parts coming loose or have sharp edges appeared? Repair it or throw it away.
• Keep older children’s toys separate from those of babies and toddlers. Small parts belonging to a brother or sister quickly end up in a little mouth.
• Watch out for cords and elastic bands. Long cords and loops can pose an entanglement hazard for young children.
• Take care with batteries and magnets. Button batteries and small magnets are dangerous if swallowed. Make sure battery compartments are securely closed.
• Clean toys regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Especially toys that go in the mouth.
• Supervise, especially with young children and when playing in and around water.

Are you unsure about the safety of a product, or has your child swallowed something? In an emergency, contact your GP straight away or call the emergency number 112.

Safe and calm play

Safety isn’t only about materials. The amount and type of toys matter too. Too much at once, or toys with lots of sound and light, can be overwhelming for some children. Read more about this in can toys overstimulate a child? and why fewer toys are often better.

Frequently asked questions

Do VintaToys toys meet European safety standards?

Yes. All VintaToys products meet the European safety requirements for toys according to the EN 71 standards. This covers mechanical safety, flammability and chemical safety.

Can my baby put VintaToys toys in their mouth?

Thanks to EN 71 certification, VintaToys toys are free from harmful substances and safe to hold and put in the mouth. Always check the age label of the specific product, though, and supervise young children.

What is the difference between the CE mark and EN 71?

EN 71 is the European standard that sets out how toys are assessed for safety. The CE mark is the sign with which the manufacturer declares that the product meets the European safety requirements. EN 71 is therefore often the basis for the CE mark.

What does “not suitable for children under 36 months” mean?

This is a safety warning, usually because the toy contains small parts that could be swallowed. Don’t give these toys to children under 3, not even under supervision.

How do I check whether a toy is still safe?

Regularly check toys for cracks, loose parts and sharp edges. Repair damaged toys or throw them away. Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.