The dangers of magnetic toys come from the potential that children will swallow the magnets. And if you have seen the tiny and very strong magnetic beads that are sold as adult toys then it’s easy to see how this could happen.
Are Magnetic Toys Safe for Children?
Magnetic toys can be a great source of entertainment and education for toddlers, offering opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive development. However, there are safety concerns associated with certain types of magnetic toys.
| Safety Concern | Explanation | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Swallowing Small Magnets | If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can attract each other through intestinal walls, leading to blockages, tissue damage, or even perforation of the intestines. | – Choose toys with large magnets that are too big to swallow. – Regularly inspect toys to ensure magnets are securely attached and not loose. |
| Choking Hazard | Smaller magnetic pieces can pose a choking hazard for toddlers. | – Avoid magnetic toys with small parts for children under 3. – Always supervise play with magnetic toys. |
| Lead Exposure | Some poorly-made magnetic toys might contain lead or other harmful materials. | – Purchase toys from reputable manufacturers and brands. – Check for safety certifications on packaging. |
| Electrical and Electronic Devices Interference | Magnets can interfere with electronic devices, including medical devices like pacemakers. | – Keep magnetic toys away from computers, TVs, smartphones, and other electronic devices. – Be cautious if someone in the household relies on a medical device. |
Tips for Safe Play with Magnetic Toys:
- Age Recommendations: Always check the age recommendations on toy packaging. Some magnetic toys are specifically labeled as not suitable for children under a certain age.
- Supervision: Always supervise toddlers when they play with magnetic toys, especially if there’s a risk of small parts coming loose.
- Regular Inspection: Frequently inspect magnetic toys to ensure that all parts are secure and that there are no loose magnets.
- Educate Older Children: If there are older children in the house with magnetic toys, educate them about the dangers of swallowing magnets and the importance of keeping such toys away from younger siblings.
- Immediate Action: If you suspect your child has swallowed a magnet, seek medical attention immediately. It’s a potentially severe medical emergency.
Why magnets are dangerous?
Magnets are fascinating whatever age you are, so it’s no wonder there are magnetic fidget toys aimed at grown-ups. They make great desk toys and are perfect for a bit of mindfulness through play, but they are also very appealing to kids who might not understand the potential dangers of swallowing magnets.
If a child swallows more than one magnet then they can attract each other inside the body, trapping tissue between them, cutting off blood supply and causing internal injuries that are potentially life-threatening. Which means that strong magnets that are small enough to swallow are definitely not the sort of toys you want to be giving to young children.
It is also worth considering the quality of magnetic toys that are designed for younger children, as while magnets may appear to be safely encased within a larger toy that can’t be swallowed, these magnets could still pose a risk if the toy gets broken apart.
However there is also a lot of fun and educational benefit from playing with magnetic toys. The best advice here is to buy quality safety tested toys designed for children and to supervise younger children while they play.
Safety-first
Knowing the dangers and taking steps to prevent children from swallowing magnets is the best way to keep your children safe.
- First, keep small loose magnets away from young children that might swallow them.
- Closely monitor children while they are playing with magnets that may be small enough to swallow.
- If you have a set of small magnets, even fridge magnets, make sure you count them back in after each use to ensure none have gone missing.
- Talk to your children about the potential risks of swallowing magnets and make sure they know they should talk to you if they ever swallow a magnet, even if they feel fine.
- If your child is experiencing nausea, vomiting or stomach pain and you think they may have swallowed magnets make sure you seek medical help and advice.
- Choose safe magnetic toys like Tegu building blocks where the magnets are encased, or choose magnets that are too big to swallow when shopping for younger children.
Magnetic building blocks for toddlers are a great option for younger children and a fun way to start exploring magnets in a safe way.
