People often ask whether 3D printed toys are safe for children, and the honest answer is yes, they can be. The important part is how they are made.
When I bought my first 3D printer, I had no idea that toys required formal compliance or testing. I was just excited to make things. It was only when I decided to start selling that I learned how much responsibility comes with creating products for children, and that learning curve shaped everything that came after.
Why I Use PLA
PLA is my material of choice because it is durable, prints cleanly, produces lower emissions and aligns with EN71-3 chemical migration requirements. The type of plastic matters more than most people realise, which is why choosing the right filament is a key part of toy safety.
What Safety Testing Looks Like
I complete the required testing myself, which includes:
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Physical tests to check shape, strength and potential hazards. A test failure does not always mean a toy is unsuitable. It may simply require correct age guidance or warnings.
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Chemical migration testing carried out by accredited laboratories to make sure the material is safe.
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Individual product checks where every toy is inspected before it is added to inventory.
I share occasional clips on Instagram showing why testing matters, including one example of an untested item. Parents usually find these very eye opening.
Why Safety Matters to Me
Once I understood what compliance involved, I committed to doing it properly from day one. Customers often tell me they did not realise toys required testing at all, and many comment on the difference in quality compared to other 3D printed items they have bought. It is always lovely to hear and reassures me that the extra work is worth it.
Not Every Design Makes It to the Shop
Some toys do not perform the way I want during testing, so I either shelve them or make sure they are only offered for appropriate age groups. All of my toys are certified for ages 3 and up, and each order includes a safety and care sheet.
How to Choose Safe 3D Printed Toys
The simplest rule is also the most important:
Always check that the toy is UKCA compliant.
If a seller cannot clearly demonstrate this, it is better to avoid the product. Testing is a legal requirement for a reason.
So, Are 3D Printed Toys Safe?
Yes. When the maker uses appropriate materials, completes the required testing and treats safety as the foundation of the design, 3D printed toys can be just as safe and enjoyable as any mass produced toy.
I take that responsibility seriously, and if you want a look behind the scenes, you can find some of my testing clips on Instagram. The more parents understand about toy safety, the stronger and safer this part of the industry becomes.
