How To Judge The Appropriate Age For Cord Game (Wooden Toy, Lacing Beads)
As a salesman who has been in the wooden toy industry for more than ten years, I also have some experience in toy requirements and testing. Today, I will share with you how to judge the age of a stringed wooden toy.
For example, how old do you think the following products are suitable for children?
Here I will analyze the age according to EN 71-1:2011+A2:2013
Mechanical and physical properties
- Place the toy or component without compressing it and in any orientation in a cylinder having dimensions as indicated in the blow small parts cylinder.
After the test, all the parts passed, including the stick on the rope. It means the parts are big enough for a baby under 36months.
- There is a 670mm cord in the lacing beads set, according to 8.40 (length of cords, chains, and electrical cables), Cords and chains that can form a tangled loop or a noose shall either: have a length not exceeding 220 mm (for toys intended for children under 18 months) or have a length not exceeding 300 mm (for other toys) when measured. 670mm>300mm, so the wooden toy set is for 36M+.
However, how to improve it to fit for an 18M+ baby? Here are 2 solutions:
- separate into parts with a length not exceeding 220 mm (for toys intended for children under 18 months) or with a length not exceeding 300 mm (for other toys). It shall be possible to join the parts after they have been separated without altering the characteristics of the joints (see below picture). Toys intended for children of 18 months and over but under 36 months shall carry the following warning on the toy or its packaging:“ Not suitable for children under 18 months. Longford/Long-chain. Strangulation hazard.”The age warning shall be clearly legible at the point of sale of the product.
- Keep 670mm cord, but make sure the other end is free. Notice WARNING is needed: Toys intended for children of 18 months and over but under 36 months shall carry the following warning on the toy or its packaging:“ Not suitable for children under 18 months. Longford/Long-chain. Strangulation hazard.”The age warning shall be clearly legible at the point of sale of the product.
Above is the judgment of the age for lacing beads. If you have any queries or new ideas, welcome to discuss them with me.
Here is the EN 71-1:2011+A3 for reference:
https://law.resource.org/pub/eu/toys/en.71.1.2014.html
