MerryGoRound Toys only selects toys from reputable suppliers - the kind you’d find in the very best toyshops. We check that these toys all comply with the appropriate toy safety standards. We always advise you on the appropriate ages for a toy, and provide you with any relevant warnings or additional information with your toy when it is delivered. You should ensure you read all the packaging supplied by us so that you are aware of these safety warnings or instructions.
We check all our toys before and after they are hired to ensure that they are still safe. We never repair toys in case it jeopardises the safety of a toy. We have been advised on our safety checking procedures by the UK’s leading toy safety expert to make sure we are being rigorous.
Small parts
When choosing your toys, always keep your child’s age in mind and ensure that the product is suitable for his or her age. Young children can easily choke on small objects.
The under 3s are especially at risk because they put everything into their mouths to explore shape and texture. It is impossible to watch a child all the time and even if you think your child has understood your warnings, a small toy can prove tempting. A safety message such as ‘not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts’ must be taken literally. Our toys are clearly marked if they are unsuitable for the under 3s, both in the toy description on our website, and in the printed information you receive with your toy.
Age advice
For all MerryGoRound toys, we tell you what age the manufacturer has recommended for their toy. These are just that: recommendations based on when a child is likely to enjoy playing with the toy. Although most manufacturer’s have researched this area well, you will always be the best judge of what your child is likely to enjoy. And the great thing about the MerryGoRound Toys service is that if you were wrong, you can return it after four weeks and try something else!
Check the toys
Although we safety check all toys, it’s important that you remain vigilant. When you receive your toys, check that it has not broken or become damaged in transit. Quickly check that there are no loose pieces or split plastic. Remember that none of our packaging is part of the toy and all of it should be removed before the toy is given to your child to play with. You can return packaging to us, or reuse or recycle it yourself.
Always read all safety warnings and take them literally. These can include warnings about entanglement or strangulation, small parts or the safe use of batteries.
Keep an eye on your toys during the time you have them, and if they become broken or damaged, remove them from play and let us know.
Choose the right toy for the right child
Often a toy is well designed and safe but causes problems when it gets into the wrong hands. A building brick that is safe, interesting and educational for an older child can be lethal if a toddler chokes on it. Likewise, a toddler who can only sit up, won’t cope with a trundle truck and will just keep falling off. It sounds obvious, but think about your child and what they can manage before you choose your toys. Keep toys intended for older children out of the reach of younger children.
Keep safe
Store toys safely and keep rooms and stairs tidy - this could prevent trips and falls, which are the biggest causes of toy-related accidents in the home. And above all, ensure that your child is adequately supervised at ALL times.
