Buying Guidelines for Safe and Fun Toys

The right toys can help children develop imagination and coordination. The wrong ones can do more harm than good.

Toy-related injuries send tens of thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Many injuries occur when parents give their children toys meant for older children.

While many toy manufacturers follow safety guidelines for their products, some don't. Your challenge is to find toys your children will enjoy and that you know are safe.

These suggestions can help you make the right choice when buying a birthday or holiday gift for children.

Don't give toys with small parts to toddlers and small children. These youngsters tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.

Select toys to suit a child's age, abilities, skills and interest level. Toys that are too advanced can pose safety hazards.

Look for the letters ASTM on the bottom or side of a toy's packaging. This means that a product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Be sure to read any warning labels before buying toys. For a list of recalled toys and recall alerts, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website.

Don't give your child toys that make loud or shrill noise to avoid serious ear injury.

The eyes, noses, and other small parts of stuffed animals should be securely fastened. This helps to reduce the risk of choking.

Never buy hobby kits, such as chemistry sets, for children younger than 12. Always supervise when older children play with such toys.

Don't buy toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Slingshots and high-powered water guns can injure children they are aimed at. BB guns shouldn't be considered toys.

Don't buy toys with electric heating elements.

They should be made of long-lasting materials, have no sharp edges or points, and be able to survive impact.

Read instructions carefully and follow suggested age levels and safety instructions. Age labeling is provided for developmental and safety reasons.

Explain and show how to use toys.

Fix or get rid of damaged toys.

Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger kids.

Don't let children play with toys in dangerous ways.

Throw away packaging right away. Sharp staples and plastic bags can be dangerous and cause injuries.

Make a list of safety rules and share them with your children. If your kids are playing with friends, remind everyone of your safety rules.