Family Education has an article that includes the following toy safety tips for gift givers from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC says that "120,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries each year."
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
For all children under age eight, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age eight.
Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.
Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.
Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, which can cause suffocation, before they become deadly playthings.
More information about toy safety from the CPSC can be found here and here. There is also a useful article about electric toys.
