Using second-hand toys can be good for the environment and your family budget. But you should exercise caution when accepting used toys.
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First, make sure the toy is safe. We published a checklist here.
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Don't accept old plastic toys. More than 80% of them are toxic, according to researchers at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) [1].
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Clean all the parts thoroughly. In daycare centers, where many children use the same toys, they usually perform effective sanitation procedures [2]. You can follow their lead and use the following techniques to sanitize any hand-me-down toys:
- Boil them in a pot with plenty of water
- Steam them
- Wipe them down with a solution of highly diluted bleach
- Use a safe disinfectant spray on them
- Put them in the dishwasher and use the "sanitize" setting if available.
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Always let them air-dry thoroughly before giving them to your baby.
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Don't use second-hand toys meant for use during bath time. Dirt and mold can accumulate in openings or crevices and are difficult to remove.
