When you are setting up a learning space at home for a young child, the materials you choose matter just as much as the activities you plan. Safe learning materials help children explore, create and build skills without unnecessary risks. This guide walks you through what to look for in toys, art supplies and other hands-on items, drawing on advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Before you buy: Check age labels, avoid small parts and button batteries, look for nontoxic art supplies with ASTM D4236 and the AP seal, and keep water beads away from young children.

What to look for in toys and learning materials

Not every toy that calls itself “educational” actually helps a child learn. The AAP cautions that many tablets, computer games and apps advertised as “educational” target only memory skills like ABCs and shapes. The skills young children really need for school success, such as impulse control, managing emotions and creative thinking, are developed through unstructured and social play with family and friends. When you choose toys, focus on simple, open-ended items that match your child’s developmental stage.

Types of toys that encourage learning

The AAP report on selecting appropriate toys for young children highlights several traditional toy categories that support different areas of development:

  • Symbolic or pretend play: Dolls, animals, action figures, toy food, utensils, cars and buildings help children use words and stories to imitate, describe and cope with real-life events. This kind of imaginary play is a large part of social and emotional development.
  • Fine-motor and manipulative toys: Blocks, shapes, puzzles and trains build problem-solving skills and fine motor control. Some of these also introduce early math concepts.
  • Art materials: Simple supplies like cardboard boxes, pads of paper, coloring books, crayons, markers, clay and stickers build creativity and improve fine motor skills. High quality does not mean expensive.
  • Language and concept toys: Traditional card games, board games (not app versions) and toy letters create opportunities for face-to-face interaction. The AAP stresses that actual human interactions are essential for growth and development; digital toys should never take the place of real, face-to-face play.
  • Gross motor and physical toys: Balls, push and pull toys, ride-on toys and tricycles help physical development and can improve self-regulation and peer interaction because of the negotiations around rules that happen during active play.

For more ideas on how to weave these types of play into your daily routine, see our guide on planning simple lessons at home.

Age and stage recommendations

Age labels on toys are not just suggestions. The AAP explains that age recommendations help you gauge three things: how safe the toy is (for example, whether it poses a choking hazard), whether your child can understand how to play with it, and whether it matches their needs and interests at that stage of development. Always read the label and show your child how to use the toy correctly.

Safety rules for toys and small objects

Even a well-chosen toy can cause injury if it is not used safely. The AAP’s toy buying tips and the CPSC’s safety guidance offer clear rules to reduce risks.

Choking hazards and size guidelines

Choking is a leading cause of death for infants and children, and most children who die from choking are under age 5. The AAP advises parents to make sure all toys and parts are larger than the child’s mouth to prevent choking. Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air, which can cause serious eye injuries or choking. Stuffed toys should be well made, with tight seams and no loose ribbons or strings that could cause strangulation. Avoid toys with small bean-like pellets or stuffing that could be swallowed. Plastic toys should be sturdy; thin plastic can break into sharp pieces.

Many household items also pose choking risks. The AAP’s choking prevention guidance lists balloons, coins, marbles, toys with small parts, small balls, pen caps, button batteries and medicine syringes as items to keep away from infants and young children. Balloons are a particular risk for children up to 8 years of age. When serving food, cut items for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch, and avoid high-risk foods like whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn and hard candy until age 4 or older, depending on the child’s development.

Button batteries and high-powered magnets

Button cell or coin batteries are small, shiny and easy for a child to swallow. The CPSC warns that a button battery can burn through a child’s throat or esophagus in as little as two hours if swallowed. These batteries are found in many household items, including remotes, small electronics and some toys. The CPSC says to keep products with accessible button batteries away from children unless the battery compartment has a screw closure to secure it. Toys with button batteries are required to have a secure closure that needs a screwdriver, coin or tool to open. Check the toys in your home to make sure battery compartments are secured. Never allow children to play with or handle loose button batteries. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, seek medical attention immediately and call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (800-498-8666) or the Poison Help Line (800-222-1222).

The AAP also advises avoiding toys with high-powered magnets. If they get loose, the AAP says, younger children might put them in their mouths, noses or ears, which can cause serious injuries.

Water beads: a hidden danger

Water-absorbing gel beads, often sold as sensory toys or used in vases, are a growing danger for young children. The AAP warns that these tiny beads can grow up to 100 times their original size when placed in water. Because they look like candy, young children may swallow them, put them in their ears or inhale them. Once inside the body, water beads can absorb fluids and continue to grow, causing blockages and life-threatening damage. They may not be visible on X-rays. The AAP reports that there were over 8,000 U.S. emergency department visits related to water beads between 2007 and 2022, and at least one child died. The CPSC has also issued warnings about acrylamide, a chemical used to make some water beads, which can harm the nervous system. The AAP supports a proposed ban on water beads marketed for children’s use. If you have young children, the safest choice is to not have water beads in your home.

For safe sensory play alternatives, visit our sensory play page.

Choosing safe art and craft supplies

Art projects build motor skills, attention and self-esteem, but not all art materials are safe for young children. The AAP’s guidance on choosing safe art and craft supplies answers common questions parents have.

Labels to look for

When shopping for art supplies, look for two key indicators. First, the label should state that the product “conforms to ASTM D4236.” This means a toxicologist has evaluated the material for safety. Second, look for the Approved Product (AP) seal from The Art and Creative Materials Institute. Products with these labels are a better choice than those that carry a cautionary label. Avoid art materials labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children,” “Not for Use by Children,” or that include words like “Poison,” “Danger,” “Warning” or “Caution” with hazard statements.

What to avoid

In general, water-based supplies are preferable because they do not contain chemical solvents, which can be fatal if even small amounts are swallowed. However, some water-based paints may contain formaldehyde preservatives, so choose formaldehyde-free products. Water-based, unscented markers are a better choice than permanent or dry-erase markers. The AAP also notes that some crayons have been found to contain asbestos fibers from talc used as a binding agent. When buying crayons, check that the label does not list talc in the ingredients and that the product complies with ASTM D4236 and carries the AP seal. Avoid using donated or found materials unless they are in their original containers with full labeling.

If you have a home art studio, keep children out of areas where potentially hazardous materials are used, stored or thrown away. Artists should wash their hands thoroughly and change work clothes and shoes before returning to family areas. For more on setting up a safe creative space, see our learning environment page.

Checking for recalls and reporting problems

Even with careful shopping, unsafe products can still reach store shelves. The AAP recommends checking two government websites to stay informed about toy recalls: Recalls.gov and SaferProducts.gov. The CPSC issues recalls for toys with unsafe lead levels, choking or fire hazards, and other dangers. If a toy you own is recalled, remove it right away. You can also report a safety concern about a toy on SaferProducts.gov. The CPSC website allows you to sign up for recall alerts so you receive notices about dangerous products.

For more guidance on selecting and organizing materials for your home learning space, visit our materials and supplies page, which is part of our broader parent and educator resources section.

Frequently asked questions

What does the age label on a toy really mean?

The AAP explains that age recommendations reflect safety (such as choking hazards), whether a child can understand how to play with the toy, and whether the toy matches the child’s developmental needs and interests. Always follow the age label and show your child how to use the toy correctly.

Are all water-based art supplies safe for toddlers?

Water-based supplies are generally preferable because they do not contain chemical solvents, but not all are risk-free. The AAP advises choosing formaldehyde-free products and water-based, unscented markers over permanent or dry-erase markers. Always check for the ASTM D4236 statement and the AP seal, and supervise children during art activities.

How can I stay updated on toy recalls?

The AAP suggests visiting Recalls.gov and SaferProducts.gov. You can also sign up for recall alerts on the CPSC website. If you think your child has been exposed to a toy containing lead, ask your child’s doctor about checking blood lead levels.

For more ideas on choosing and using learning materials safely, explore our Materials and Supplies page.

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