Dr. Sears' Toy Safety Tips for Babies

1. Check for small parts that baby can put in mouth and choke on, such as buttons, beads or other removable parts. Be aware that babies can bite off objects from toys. Babies can choke on anything that is less than 1 ½ inches or 4 cm in diameter.
   
2. Inspect the toy for sharp edges, pointed parts, or loose, damaged parts. After months of wear and tear, some toys may become unsafe.
   
3. Toys with strings more than 8 inches (20 cm) are unsafe. They are a strangling hazard.
   
4. Toys for older children are often unsafe for babies. These include marbles, small Legos, beads, and other toys with small pieces.
   
5. Crib toy safety. Do not fasten toys or objects on both side rails of the crib to hang over baby. This is a strangling hazard. Mobiles and other toys that attach to only one rail are safe, but only until baby is able to sit up or push up onto hands and knees and grab the mobile (around five to six months).
   
6. Thin, brittle plastic toys that break easily can be a sharp hazard to baby.
   
7. Balloon safety. Always supervise a baby with a balloon. If it pops, quickly collect the pieces as these are a choking hazard. Uninflated balloons are also choking hazards.
   
8. Plastic wrapping. Immediately throw away any plastic wrap packaging as this is a choking hazard. Be sure to clean up all wrapping paper peices, and ribbons too.
   
9. Toy box and toy shelf safety. Avoid toy boxes with heavy lids that can smash little fingers and heads. Secure toy shelves to the wall so baby can't pull the shelf down.
   
10. Do not let your toddler walk around with a toy in his mouth. If he falls, the otherwise harmless toy can cause a serious mouth injury. Soft plush toys are okay, but again watch for choking hazards.
    
11. Plush toys. Periodically inspect all soft, stuffed toys for tears or open seams. The stuffing inside can be a choking hazard.