Noisy Toys

Things that go shrill, ring, clatter or click, can make fun toys for kids. But noisy toys can also be a hazard and loud or shrill sounds can damage a child’s hearing.

Young children and infants have sensitive hearing and often can’t protect themselves from loud noises. That’s why parents and caregivers should be aware that a noisy toy could easily damage a child’s hearing.

What to look out for

Check the toy yourself before you buy or give it to a child. Don’t let a child play with the toy before you have unwrapped and read the instructions yourself.

Some sound producing toys will have a ‘demo tab’. These are plastic pull tabs that are stuck on the toy’s speaker or battery. They are there to make the toy louder so you can hear them in a busy shop. Remember to remove the tab before giving the toy to a child – otherwise it may be too loud for them.

Be careful when allowing older children or adults to use a noise producing toy around young children and infants. A rattle or squeeze toy may not be very noisy in the hands of an infant but an older child with more strength and coordination could easily produce much more noise.

Remember, under the age of 18 months a child’s hearing is at its most sensitive. At this age a child can’t easily get away from or shield themselves from a loud noise. That’s why it’s important to buy toys suitable for the age.

For babies, try to buy a toy that makes a noise at about the same level as a conversation - that’s around 60dB. The toy should be kept well away from a baby’s head.

Sound level recommendations

The Ministry recommends that children should not be given toys that exceed these sound emission levels:

• 80dB - toys like toy phones that a child would hold close to his or her ear.
• 85dB - for rattles and squeeze toys.
• 110dB - for all other toys.

Be aware – cap guns can produce a bang as loud as 140dB.

Sound Scale