A blend of nostalgia, frugality, and a wish to reduce waste has many parents considering passing down their cherished childhood toys to their children. However, the safety of vintage toys is a significant concern.
The Appeal of Old Toys
Many of us have fond memories tied to our favorite childhood toys. Some parents don’t even need to scour thrift stores for nostalgic finds like the original Rainbow Brite doll; they have boxes of beloved toys safely stored at grandparents’ homes. These toys can quickly transform any space into a nostalgic playroom filled with retired plastic playsets, old Twister games, and much-loved dolls and trucks.
While reusing old toys is indeed minimalist, the question remains: Are these vintage toys safe for children? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the answer is a resounding “no.” A law enacted in 2008 established strict federal safety standards for all toys manufactured or imported into the U.S. Unfortunately, toys made before this date did not have to comply with these regulations and could contain hazardous materials, such as lead paint or toxic phthalates.
Patricia Thompson, a spokesperson for the CPSC, advises against allowing children to play with vintage toys. “These items should be displayed for nostalgic value but not used as playthings,” she states. It’s important to note that lead paint was a serious issue as recently as 2007, prompting the 2008 safety regulations. Concerns regarding phthalates—chemicals that make plastics soft and pliable—did not begin to be adequately addressed until 2017.
Hazards of Older Toys
When considering old toys, there are various hazards to keep in mind. Small parts can pose choking risks, making it unsafe for toddlers to play with items like old Monopoly pieces. Furthermore, many older toys may contain magnets that become dangerous if ingested. Additionally, without packaging, it can be difficult to determine the age-appropriateness of a toy, which is crucial for assessing choking hazards.
So, what can you do with those cherished toys? Thompson suggests waiting until your children are old enough to appreciate these items without using them as toys—specifically, until they are past the phase of putting things in their mouths. If you do decide to introduce an old toy, ensure that your child practices good hygiene afterward. Even classic items like Cabbage Patch dolls have parts made from plastic that predates modern regulations.
Generally speaking, the older the toy, the more potential hazards it may contain. A recent study in the UK found that red and yellow LEGO bricks from the 1970s contained high levels of cadmium, a heavy metal linked to serious health risks, while newer bricks showed none. The newer the toy, the safer it is likely to be.
Another alternative suggested by Thompson is to opt for hand-me-downs from friends, family, or thrift stores that can guarantee the toys were made within the last fourteen years, or ideally the last five years. This way, you can avoid passing down vintage toys and instead share recently made, gently used items. For additional peace of mind, you can check for recalls on the CPSC’s website. Afterward, you can display your beloved toys as cherished mementos—your kids likely won’t love them the same way you did anyway.
This article was originally published on March 28, 2022.
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Summary
While nostalgic and environmentally friendly, passing down childhood toys raises safety concerns, especially with vintage items. The CPSC warns against using older toys due to potential hazards like lead paint and phthalates. If you want to cherish your old toys, consider displaying them rather than allowing children to play with them. Opting for newer hand-me-downs from trusted sources can be a safer alternative.