Baby & Kids / Guide
What to Check on a Battery-Operated Toy Before Bringing It Home
Inspect a used toy’s battery compartment, identify the battery type and find out what to do if a cover or fastener is missing.
Test the battery compartment even if the seller says the toy lights up and makes sound. A toy can work with a cover that’s cracked, loose or missing a fastener. Ask which batteries it takes and compare the compartment with the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact model.
Check the cover without batteries installed
Have an adult check that the correct cover is present and closes with the fastener or tool the manufacturer specifies. If threads are stripped, clips are broken or the compartment has corrosion, pass on the toy until the manufacturer provides an appropriate remedy. A piece of tape or an improvised cover isn’t a dependable way to keep children out.
Know when a small battery changes the stakes
The CPSC’s button cell and coin battery center explains the serious ingestion hazard. Keep new and used cells out of children’s reach and follow the manufacturer’s directions for replacement and disposal. If you think a child may have swallowed a battery, seek emergency medical help immediately and follow official poison-control guidance.
Check more than the toy aisle
Remotes, novelty lights and greeting cards can use similar cells. Include those in the same check if they’re likely to end up where children play. Save the model number and check the CPSC recall database when buying used.