Toy Safety Is Important

Babies put things into their mouths. So it is important to
make sure all toys you give your baby are safe. Here are a few things to look for when choosing
toys:

• Make sure toys that you buy for your baby are labeled “non-toxic.”
• Toys
  should have no sharp edges or points.
• Inspect toys often to make sure there are no loose
  parts. Older toys may break and have sharp edges.
• Make sure small toys, such as squeak
  toys, rattles and teethers, are large enough so that your baby can’t put the whole toy in her
  mouth. Smaller toys can get stuck in your baby’s throat.
• Don’t give your baby toys with
  strings or ribbons. If you have toys like this, just remove the strings.
• Don’t hang toys
  or a pacifier around your baby’s neck.
• Don’t give your baby toys that have small parts.
  The parts can come off and she could choke on them. Check for small parts such as buttons
  and eyes that are glued on. Don’t give her toys with beads that can be pulled off. Toys that are
  stuffed with small pellets can come apart, and your baby could choke on the pellets.
• Don’t let your baby play with a plastic bag. It can choke or smother her.
• Don’t give
  your baby balloons to play with. The balloon can break and create a choking hazard. Don’t give
  pieces of popped balloons to children of any age. Babies and children can choke on balloon
  pieces.
• Don’t let your baby play with plastic wrapping from toys or other items.
• Older children should be told not to use loud toys around the baby. Such loud noises can damage
  her hearing.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow
Smart—Your Four-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to
download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

Note: For info on sex after
delivery, subscribe
now to the GreatDad newsletter for new dads

Previous / Next: Helping Your Baby Explore