Can You Pass Down Your Childhood Toys to Your Kids?

A blend of nostalgia, frugality, and a desire to reduce waste often leads us to hand down toys from one generation to the next. But the question remains: are vintage toys safe for children?

We all cherish our favorite toys from childhood. Many of us can easily locate an original Rainbow Brite doll without needing to browse thrift stores. Bags filled with our treasured old toys are often stored at grandparents’ homes, creating an instant playroom for our little ones thanks to retired plastic playsets, worn-out Twister games, and beloved dolls and trucks.

While reusing old toys is indeed a minimalist approach, it’s essential to consider their safety. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the answer is a resounding “no.” A law enacted in 2008 established current federal safety standards for toys manufactured or imported into the U.S. Anything made prior to that date may not meet these standards and could contain hazardous materials like lead paint or toxic phthalates.

“Vintage toys should be displayed for your enjoyment, not given to children to play with,” advises Laura Morton, Deputy Director at the CPSC. It’s important to note that lead paint was still a concern, with nearly a million toys recalled in 2007, prompting the 2008 legislation. Phthalates, which soften plastics, began to face strict regulation only in 2017, and there’s no visual way to gauge their presence in older toys.

When considering older toys, other hazards exist as well. Small parts can pose choking risks, making it unsafe for toddlers to handle pieces from games like Monopoly. Magnets can be dangerous if swallowed, and many older toys lacked proper labeling for such risks. Additionally, without packaging, determining the appropriate age for a toy becomes challenging, especially with small accessories.

You don’t have to completely eliminate your old toys, however. One option is to wait until your children are mature enough to appreciate them without playing with them — ideally when they’re old enough not to put toys in their mouths. For school-age kids, ensure they wash their hands after playing with older items. Even classics like Cabbage Patch dolls, with their soft fabric bodies, have plastic components made before current safety regulations. While touching phthalate-laden plastic isn’t immediately harmful, cumulative exposure is a concern.

Generally, the older the toy, the more likely it is to contain questionable materials. For instance, a study in the UK found that red and yellow LEGO bricks from the 1970s had high levels of cadmium, a heavy metal linked to serious health issues, while those from the 1990s showed none. Newer toys are typically safer.

Another option is to accept hand-me-downs from friends, relatives, or thrift stores that guarantee toys made in the last 14 years, or even better, the last five years. This way, you can pass on gently used but safe playthings. For added peace of mind, check the CPSC recall site for any potential safety issues. After all, your cherished Cabbage Patch Doll will always hold a special place in your heart, even if your kids don’t feel the same way.

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Summary:

Passing down childhood toys can be nostalgic and cost-effective, but safety is a significant concern. Vintage toys may contain harmful materials, making it essential to consider their safety before handing them down. Waiting until children are older or opting for newer, gently used toys can help keep them safe. For more insights into parenting and home insemination, explore our linked resources.

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