The Toy Association Statement Regarding the Sound Level of Toys

No toys intended for children and sold in the United States have been found to be dangerous based on their sound level. Toys sold in this country are required to comply with standards that include limits on sound level output.

Consistent with its concern for the safety and well-being of all children, in developing these standards the toy industry turned to a noted audiologist and expert on child and adolescent hearing for input, guidance, and leadership. The acoustic standard is included in ASTM F963, the toy safety standard that is federal law in the U.S. and has been modeled internationally.

Parents are reminded to listen to toys that make sounds before purchasing them to make sure they are appropriate for their children and fit within their family environment. Since children’s toys on store shelves already comply with limits on sound level, choosing toys with an “acceptable” level of sound is a matter of personal preference. Always look for a volume control or an on/off switch.

This statement was reaffirmed by The Toy Association in October 2024.