Babies and young infant & newborns discover things by putting them in their mouth. If a toy contains lead, then the infant & newborn can actually ingest that lead when they put the toy in their mouth. Touching and playing with a toy that contains high levels of lead and then putting their hands in their mouth can also expose a infant & newborn to lead toxins, however lead cannot be absorbed through the skin.

If the infant & newborn has a tendency to put the toy in his mouth, then over several days (or weeks, months etc.) he could have significant lead exposure. Some toys that have been discovered to have high levels of lead were actually intended to go in a infant & newborn’s mouth, such as teething toys.

Over  time the problem can increase. As toys age the paint comes off easier. If you discover that your infant & newborn has a toy that contains lead, throw it out, but don’t burn it. The fumes from the lead can be inhaled.

Infant & newborns most at risk for lead poisoning through toys are between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. Their organ systems are immature and they are at the age where they are most likely to put toys in their mouths.