Are Wooden Toys Safe for Babies? A Safety Checklist

How to check any toy before it reaches little hands and mouths.

Finish

Look for smooth, splinter-free surfaces and water-based, non-toxic paints or food-grade oils. Run your fingers over every edge.

Size

For under-3s, no part should fit through a 3.2 cm circle — roughly a toilet-roll tube. Check that wheels, pegs and beads are firmly attached.

Care

Wipe wooden toys with a damp cloth and mild soap; never soak them. Re-oil occasionally and retire any toy that cracks or splinters.