Toy-Buying Tips

These guidelines, based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, can help you choose safe and appropriate toys for a baby or a small child.

* Think large when it comes to choosing toys. Make sure all parts are larger than the child’s mouth to decrease the risk of choking.

* Avoid toys that shoot small objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking.

* Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noises.

* When buying a soft toy or stuffed animal, make sure the eyes, the nose and any other small parts are secured tightly. Remove loose ribbons or strings. Avoid toys containing beanlike pellets or stuffing that can cause suffocation if swallowed.

* Watch for sharp points or edges and toys made from thin plastic or other material that may break easily.

* Look for paint sets, crayons, and markers that are labeled nontoxic.

* Be cautious when buying crib toys. Strings or wires that hang in a crib should be kept short. They can pose a strangulation hazard when a child begins to crawl or stand.