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To keep this holiday season healthy and happy we have gathered toy safety information to assist you as you shop for toys and a few websites that will keep you up to date on your child’s toys.

Toys can cause more than minor scraps and bruises; they can sometimes cause serious injury or even death.  Below are a few tips to keep in mind when purchasing child’s toy.

Read ALL Warning Labels & Instruction.  They may not be the most exciting reading you do this holiday season however they explain the age range the toy is safe for and how to use the toy.  Toys that pose choking hazard due to small parts are typically an issue for children under the age of three.  Electronic toys have choking warning labels because of their small components.  NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research Group) recommends that parents use a choke testing tube such as a cardboard toilet paper roll to test small toys and parts.  If it fits in the tube or is smaller than a golf ball, it is too small to give to young children.  Make sure that balls given to children younger than three are at least 1.75 inches in diameter; and never let children younger than eight play with latex balloons.

Think LARGE & Rounded.  Make sure a toy and its parts are larger than your child’s mouth and have no sharp and pointed edges.

Avoid toys with Cords, Strings, & Straps:  Toys with long cords, strings or straps pose a strangulation hazard.

Buy toys that are sturdy and strong.  Toys made from thin plastic or other materials may break and sharp edges can cause bodily injury to your child.  Look for toys that are shatter proof.

Avoid LOUD toys that could permanently damage your child’s hearing as well as for your own sanity.  If the toy does make sound, then check the toy for a volume control or volume disable mode.

Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air.  These can cause eye injuries or choking hazards.

Check for toxic materials.  When buying toys like crayons, art supplies, or other liquid containing toys, make sure, the toy’s label says “nontoxic”.  Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years.  Even with older children, make sure they know how to use and handle these items.

Electronic toys should be “UL Approved”

Look for stuffed toys that are well made.  Make sure all the parts are on tight and seams and edges are secure.  It should also be machine washable.  Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation.  Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.

Check for toy recalls at www.recalls.gov

Consumers can keep up-to-date on dangerous products by signing up at https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx to have recall announcements sent directly to their email account.  You can choose to receive all recall announcements or children's product recalls only.  You can also can call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-CPSC.