Are you purchasing toys that are safe for your baby? While there are plenty of really great toys available on the market, choosing the wrong ones for your child can be hazardous. Here are some questions to ask yourself the next time you go shopping for toys:

Is the toy age appropriate?

Most toys include the recommended age on their packaging. While this can be a good start for searching for age-appropriate toys and it’s true that children develop at different speeds, use your best judgment about whether or not it is suitable for your child’s maturity level and abilities.

Does the toy have small parts?

Until your child is about 3 years old, avoid giving him or her toys with small parts as they might inhale, choke on, or swallow them. In order to prevent any troublesome incidents, toy parts should ideally be bigger than your baby’s mouth.

Is the toy in good condition?

This is an important question to ask yourself if you are considering giving your child second-hand toys to play with. While you might be able to save some money from buying or borrowing used toys, it is crucial that you only choose toys that are well made. Check for peeling paint, as well as any buttons, eyes, beads, ribbons, yarn, and any other toy parts that may not be securely attached.