Understanding EN71 Testing And Craft Safety For Children Under 3

With new funding for childcare, nurseries are welcoming more children under the age of 3. While there are plenty of toys and resources suitable for younger children, Arts & Crafts often come with strict age warnings. Recently, we've received numerous enquiries about the availability of crafts for children under 3, raising questions about their suitability. Here’s why these warnings exist and how products can be safely used with proper supervision.

EN71 is a European standard specifying safety requirements for toys. It includes several parts, but the most relevant for craft products are:

• EN71 Part 1: Mechanical and Physical Properties – This part tests for small parts that could pose choking hazards. If there’s any chance a small part can detach, the product must be marked as unsuitable for children under 3 years old. This precaution prevents choking incidents, which are a significant risk for unsupervised children.
• EN71 Part 3: Chemical Properties – This part ensures materials used in toys and craft products are non-toxic. Our Paints, Crayons, Brushes, and similar items meet this standard, meaning they are chemically safe for all age groups, including children under 3.

Even seemingly harmless items, like A4 Card can become a choking hazard if an 18-month-old starts eating it. The 3+ warning serves as a precaution to ensure these items are used safely with adequate supervision.

For example, the 3+ age warning on Ready Mixed Paint relates to the lid on the bottle that could become easily detached. By emptying the paints into a Paint Tray and removing the bottles from the reach of children, the risk of choking is removed.

It’s also important to note that crafts specifically for children under 3 are not readily available to the UK market, because wholesalers like ourselves cannot design and import products without the relevant EN71 testing.

What do we suggest?

1. Supervise Closely: Always be present when children under 3 engage in craft activities. This prevents them from putting small parts or potentially hazardous items in their mouths.
2. Choose Larger Items: Opt for larger craft items that are less likely to pose a choking hazard. For example, use large Chunky Chalks instead of small ones.
3. Check for Non-Toxic Labels: Ensure that all Paints, Markers, and other materials are non-toxic and meet EN71 Part 3 standards.
4. Organise Safe Craft Spaces: Set up a dedicated crafting area where potential hazards are minimised, and materials are easy to manage.
5. Educate About Safety: Gradually teach children about the importance of not putting craft materials in their mouths as they grow older and more aware.

While many craft products are marked as suitable for children aged 3 and above, they can often be safely used by younger children with proper supervision. Understanding the reasons behind these warnings and how to implement safe crafting practices can help nurseries provide enriching and enjoyable experiences for children under 3. Gompels offers a range of Arts & Crafts products that meet EN71 standards, ensuring they are safe for use under appropriate conditions.