Safety Guide: Choosing Non-Toxic Stickers for Children

Children love stickers, and for good reason—they're colourful, fun, and offer an easy way for kids to express creativity. But as parents and educators, we must ensure the stickers we give to children are safe for them to handle and, inevitably, put in their mouths. This guide will help you identify safe stickers and avoid potential hazards.

Why Sticker Safety Matters

Children interact with stickers differently than adults. They touch them repeatedly, peel and restick them, and young children especially may put stickers in their mouths or on their skin for extended periods. These behaviours increase exposure to any potentially harmful substances in the sticker materials.

While most modern stickers sold for children are safe, not all products meet the same standards. Understanding what to look for helps you make informed choices and protect children in your care.

Understanding Safety Certifications

Safety certifications provide third-party verification that products meet specific safety standards. Here are the most important certifications to look for:

ASTM D-4236

This American standard requires that art materials, including stickers, be evaluated by a toxicologist for potential health hazards. Products meeting this standard will be labelled either "Conforms to ASTM D-4236" or, if hazards exist, will include specific warnings. Most quality children's stickers carry this certification.

EN 71 (European Toy Safety)

The European EN 71 standard sets requirements for toy safety, including chemical content, flammability, and physical properties. Products meeting EN 71 have been tested for harmful substances like heavy metals and certain chemicals.

CE Mark

The CE mark indicates a product meets European Union safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. For children's products, this includes compliance with the Toy Safety Directive.

Australian Standards

In Australia, the mandatory safety standard for toys is found in the Consumer Goods (Toys) Regulation 2021. Look for products that state compliance with Australian Consumer Law or AS/NZS ISO 8124 (Safety of toys).

Materials to Avoid

Certain materials and chemicals should be avoided in children's stickers:

PVC and Phthalates

Some vinyl stickers contain PVC with phthalate plasticisers, which have been linked to health concerns in children. Look for stickers labelled "PVC-free" or "phthalate-free," especially for young children. Many manufacturers now use safer alternatives like polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

Heavy Metals

Some inks and colourants historically contained heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Quality children's products should be tested to ensure heavy metal content is below safe thresholds. Look for products that specifically state they're lead-free and cadmium-free.

Strong Adhesives

Very aggressive adhesives can irritate sensitive skin with prolonged contact. Children's stickers should use gentler, skin-safe adhesives that won't cause irritation during normal play.

Sharp Edges

Die-cut stickers with sharp points or edges can cause cuts, especially with thin vinyl materials. Children's stickers should have rounded corners and smooth edges.

Age-Appropriate Sticker Types

For Children Under 3

For this age group, consider foam stickers or thick paper stickers that can't easily be swallowed or choked on. Avoid any metallic finishes or glitter that could come off.

For Children 3-6

This age group can handle a wider variety of stickers but still requires non-toxic materials:

• Puffy/dimensional stickers are popular and generally safe
• Reusable sticker books allow extended play without consumption
• Medium-sized stickers (3cm+) still preferred
• Temporary tattoo stickers should be specifically labelled safe for skin

For School-Age Children (7+)

Older children can typically use most standard stickers safely, though common sense still applies:

• Glitter stickers become appropriate (with supervision)
• Holographic and specialty finishes are fine
• Smaller stickers are acceptable
• Vinyl stickers for outdoor use become appropriate

Special Concerns: Skin-Applied Stickers

Temporary tattoos and face stickers that are applied directly to skin require extra scrutiny:

Temporary Tattoos

• Must use FDA-approved cosmetic-grade inks
• Should specify they're safe for skin contact
• Avoid products not specifically designed for skin application
• Perform a patch test on a small area first for sensitive children

Face and Body Stickers

• Ensure the adhesive is dermatologically tested
• Check for hypoallergenic labelling for sensitive skin
• Remove promptly if any redness or irritation develops
• Don't use regular stickers on skin—only purpose-made products

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of stickers that exhibit these warning signs:

• Strong chemical odour: Quality stickers shouldn't have a noticeable chemical smell
• Colour bleeding: If colours rub off easily, the ink may not be properly set
• Unknown origin: Products with no manufacturer information or safety labelling
• Unusually cheap prices: Very low prices may indicate cost-cutting on materials
• Flaking or peeling finishes: Small particles could be ingested
• Sharp die-cut edges: Poor quality cutting leaves dangerous edges

Safe Storage and Handling

Proper storage helps maintain sticker safety:

• Keep stickers in their original packaging until use
• Store away from heat and sunlight which can degrade materials
• Discard stickers that become brittle, faded, or damaged
• Keep small stickers out of reach of children under 3
• Supervise young children during sticker activities

What to Do If a Child Swallows a Sticker

Despite precautions, children sometimes swallow stickers. Here's what to know:

Most Paper and Vinyl Stickers

Small, flat stickers made of paper or vinyl typically pass through the digestive system without issue. Monitor for any unusual symptoms but don't panic. Contact Poisons Information (13 11 26 in Australia) if concerned.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a doctor immediately if:

• The child has difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Drooling, gagging, or refusing to eat
• Pain in chest, throat, or stomach
• Blood in saliva or stool
• The sticker was large or contained batteries (some light-up stickers)

Recommendations for Teachers and Childcare

Educational settings should have clear policies around sticker use:

• Maintain an approved list of sticker brands known to be safe
• Check all donated or brought-from-home stickers before use
• Use age-appropriate stickers for each group
• Never use stickers as food-adjacent rewards (to prevent mouth contact)
• Be aware of children with adhesive sensitivities
• Document any reactions for future reference

Stickers remain one of the safest, most enjoyable creative activities for children when appropriate products are chosen. By understanding safety certifications, avoiding problematic materials, and selecting age-appropriate options, you can ensure children enjoy stickers safely.