Playtime is important for your child's healthy growth and development. To make sure your child's play time is safe and happy, please follow these guidelines when selecting a toy.

Look for toys that are right for your child's age and that encourage:

* Active play, like push or pull toys or a ball and bat
* Hand movement play, like clay, puzzles, tea sets or action figures
* Creative play, like paints, crayons or musical instruments
* Learning play, like games or books

Be aware that some toys can be dangerous for your child

For a child who is 8 or under, avoid...

* Electrical toys with hot surfaces (toy oven sets or wood-burners)
* Toys or art sets with toxic substances (oil paints, chemistry sets)

For a child who is 3 or younger, avoid...

* Small toys or toys with small removable parts that can be lodged in a child's throat
* Toys with loose breakable parts that come off (action figures with removable parts, cars with small wheels) latex balloons (a leading cause of choking)

For an infant, avoid...

* Hanging crib and playpen toys with strings longer than 12 inches, which can strangle a child (mobiles)
* Squeeze toys, rattles and teethers small enough to become lodged in a child's throat
* Toys not approved for infants (mini rattles used for gift wrapping)