In your search for toys for your baby, always ask yourself whether a particular toy is appropriate for your child. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

• Age-appropriateness: Check the label age recommendations on every toy before you buy or give it to your baby.
• Size: If the toy or any of its removable pieces can fit inside an empty toilet-paper tube, they’re too small for a baby to play with safely. Even an inflated latex balloon can be harmful if it’s chewed. And strings that are longer than six inches pose a risk of strangulation.
• Sounds: If the toy makes sounds, be sure they’re gentle. Loud, abrasive, or abrupt sounds can startle a baby (not to mention prove annoying to you).
• Construction: Check the toy for splinters, sharp edges, breakable parts, and removable pieces–anything that could possibly hurt your baby. Don’t give your baby a toy made of spongy material; it can be a chewing temptation for your little one. And if the toy uses batteries, make sure they’re completely inaccessible to baby.
• The finish: If the toy is painted, be sure the paint is non-toxic. If the packaging doesn’t tell you, test the toy with a paint test kit from your local hardware or paint store.
• Washability: A toy that can be washed by hand or in the machine is less likely to spread germs.
• Packaging: Be sure to properly discard the toy’s packaging, including all wrapping, plastic bags, and ties.

Forbidden playthings

• Plastic bags or wrappings
• Balloons
• Your pet’s toys
• Houseplants or cut flowers
• Electrical cords
• Any small item that presents a choking hazard

Where to keep your baby’s toys

Not only do you need to select safe toys for your baby, you also need to store them safely. There are lots of storage units available–bins, shelves, and chests. Just be sure the one you choose isn’t also a potential danger. Avoid conventional toy chests unless they have safety hinges. These hinges will keep the lid open at any angle and won’t let it slam shut on tiny fingers. And just in case your adventurous little one climbs in, be sure the toy chest doesn’t have a locking lid and there are air holes drilled through the toy chest for ventilation.