Is It OK To Buy Secondhand Toys?

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:

• Bumble Bee Baby & Children’s Markets

• All for Kids Market

• My Kids Market

• Sassybae

• Toy Library

• 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.