Buying safe toys

Buy toys that are safe for your kids. There are innumerable ways for them to get hurt when they are away from your watchful eyes.

Some toys that you should be wary of are:

• Toys with small parts: These can prove to be fatal to infants and toddlers who tend to swallow anything they can hold.
• Toys with sharp edges or parts that wear away and produce a sharp edge: Handling these toys may injure the child.
• Toys that are inflatable: Such toys can burst and pieces of rubber may pose fatal choking hazards.

It is always better to consider your options before you purchase any toy. 

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right toy:

• Double check toys before they are bought to ascertain whether they are hazard proof.
• Read the labels carefully before purchasing and follow the age limits and safety regulations mentioned on them.
• Look for toys that are well built and have well secured parts like wheels, flags, etc. There is a risk of your child swallowing the smaller parts if they are not secured well.
• Avoid purchasing electric toys for toddlers—these tend to generate heat.
• Avoid buying puzzles that have a small magnetic base as it may fall out.
• Avoid soft toys with button-sized eyes and nose, as they are prone to come loose when pulled by infants.
• Know your child.  If your child sticks everything in his or her mouth, you have to be even more vigilant with small toys at home and while out of the house.