Is it safe to use second-hand plastic baby toys?

What's actually in it

Plastic toys are not inert objects. They are chemical mixtures that break down over time. When you buy second-hand plastic, you are inheriting items that have already begun to degrade.

These toys often contain plasticizers (chemicals used to make plastic soft or flexible) and organophosphate flame retardants. These substances are designed to leach out of the material. A 2026 study in Environ Res confirms that children are exposed to these plasticizers and flame retardants through their daily environment.

As plastic ages, it becomes brittle and sheds microplastics and nanoplastics. These are tiny pieces of plastic that your baby can easily ingest or inhale while playing.

What the research says

Peer-reviewed research shows that the age of a plastic product significantly changes how it interacts with the body. A 2026 study in Toxicology found that aging is a key factor in how microplastics alter the intestinal environment. Essentially, the older the plastic, the more it may disrupt your baby's gut health.

Furthermore, the physical breakdown of these materials is a major concern. According to a 2026 study in Part Fibre Toxicol, we are still uncovering the full toxicity and health risks associated with PET microplastics and nanoplastics. Because babies put toys in their mouths, they have direct, high-level exposure to these shedding particles.