Older toys can break to reveal parts small enough to be swallowed or to become lodged in a child's windpipe, ears, or nose. The law bans small parts in new toys intended for children under three. This includes removable small eyes and noses on stuffed toys and dolls and small, removable squeakers on squeeze toys.

Cords Can Be Deadly

Toys with long strings or cords are dangerous for infants and very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an infant's neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in cribs or playpens where children can become entangled. Remove crib gyms from the crib when the child can pull up on hands and knees; some children have strangled when they fell across crib gyms stretched across the crib.

Age-Appropriateness Is Key

All toys are not for all children. Keep toys designed for older children out of the hands of little ones. Follow labels that give age recommendations; some toys are recommended for older children because they may be hazardous in the hands of a younger child. Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger brothers and sisters.

Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility of everyone. Careful toy selection and proper supervision of children at play is still — and always will be — the best way to protect children from toy-related injuries.