Monique Tait
Oct 5, 2024. 3 mins read
Toys
Is It OK To Buy Secondhand Toys?
All parents know that toys can enrich play, helping children develop their imagination while supporting their cognitive skills. But with nearly 80% of all new toys ending up in landfills, and skyrocketing living costs, more and more parents are opting for preloved toys and clothes for their children. But is it okay to buy secondhand toys and are there things we should be mindful of safety-wise? Here’s what you need to know.
Is it safe to buy secondhand toys?
If you’re new to the world of preloved toys and secondhand children’s clothes, you may be wondering if they’re safe to use. The good news is that the majority of well-kept trade toys aren’t only safe, they’re encouraged to bring into the home. An alternative to buying secondhand is to borrow them from a toy library or swapping app like Sassybae where you can try before you buy. But like with all toys, there are some items to avoid.
Secondhand toys to avoid
While shopping secondhand has a positive social and environmental impact, it’s important to be mindful of the toys you let your children play with. This goes for both new and secondhand toys. From toys with accessible button batteries to toys smaller than 4 centimetres that can get stuck in the throat, there are certain toys to steer clear from for safety-related reasons. For this reason, some toy libraries remove or don’t supply batteries from battery operated toys or ask that parents use their own.
Here are some secondhand toys to avoid:
Old LEGO bricks before 1990. These have been proven to contain high levels of hazardous chemicals
Old painted toys that may contain lead-based paint. If the paint is flaking, it’s recommended to avoid using
Battery operated toys that aren’t secured with a case with screws. Batteries pose serious risks to children including chemical burns, choking and internal bleeding
Toys that contain small parts
Toys with sharp and pointed edges
Recalled toys
Toys that are falling apart with noticeable wear and tear
Toys with long cords
While it’s generally recommended to purchase toys that meet Australian safety standards (AS/NZS ISO 8124), this can be difficult to determine on secondhand toys. The great thing about using a toy marketplace or swapping app is that you can ask questions or inspect the toys before bringing them home.
It’s especially important to be mindful of older toys that weren’t created with today’s safety standards in mind. If in doubt, it’s best to avoid.
How to disinfect secondhand toys
Just like with any new product you bring into the home, it’s important to clean secondhand toys before giving them to your littles. From the presence of germs to general wear and tear, disinfecting toys helps give them a new lease of life without being worried about any added nasties.
Here’s a general rule of thumb parents should follow when cleaning secondhand toys:
Soft toys: If possible, chuck any soft toys directly into the washing machine. If they have hard bits on them such as eyes, put them in a pillowcase to avoid damaging the drum. Otherwise, you can sponge the soft toy with disinfectant spray.
Hard toys: Thoroughly wipe down all hard toys with a clean cloth, hot water and a suitable disinfectant. Always ensure that toys are thoroughly dry and free from water before use.
While you may be tempted to submerge all of your secondhand toys into a basin filled with water, this is generally not recommended as water can easily become trapped inside them. This results in the toys becoming too wet to dry, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Where to find safe secondhand toys
The unfortunate reality of children’s toys is that they’re not all created equally. But with a little investigative work and keeping a buyer beware attitude, you can safely and happily bring preloved toys into the home for your kiddos to enjoy.
Here are some of the best places to score secondhand toys:
Toy marketplace such as:
Toy community
Secondhand Shop
Thrift Shop
Charity Shop
There’s no better feeling than finding a developmentally appropriate toy you know your child will love - for a fraction of the price! And with the BBC estimating that approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of plastic will cover the planet by 2040, it’s nice knowing that you’re doing your part to enrich both the planet and your children’s lives.
Secondhand toys can be a smart and eco-friendly choice for your children. But it’s up to you to ensure the toys are safe, clean and suitable for your children. Do your research, give the items a good clean and enjoy investing in your child’s joy and the planet’s future.
Monique Tait
Mothering . Wife . Founder . Chicken Wing Aficionado .
When she's not scouring the city for the best fried chicken joint, she's busy being a parenting superhero, starting with her new toy swapping app called Sassybae. Because let's be real, what better way to show your love for your kids than by swapping out their old toys for new ones? Monique is on a mission to make parenting easier, one wing and one toy at a time.
Related articles
Toys
Find Your Nearest Toy Library in Melbourne
Welcome to Sassybae’s Melbourne toy library directory. They’re places where action figures rub elbows with puzzles, and dolls whisper secrets to building blocks. Toy Libraries play a pivotal role in the circular economy and eco-friendly practises within our communities while simultaneously enriching the lives of children.
Monique Tait
Nov 25, 2023. 1 min read