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How can I make sure my baby's toys are safe for him to play with?

Last Updated: April 11, 2007

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Examine your baby’s toys to make sure they are safe. Can they be pulled, dropped, or chewed without breaking? Here is a list of safety rules: Stuffed toys should have sturdy seams. Babies can choke on stuffing. Look to see that eyes, nose and clothing are securely attached to the toy. Check labels to see that toys are non-allergenic, machine washable, and machine dryable. Metal or plastic toys should have smooth, rolled edges. Balloons are very dangerous for infants. They can be sucked into the windpipe and cause a child to choke to death. Look to see that the pieces of a toy fit together. If the pieces are bent out of shape or have a sharp edge, throw the toy away. Do not give your baby toys that look as if they
might break into sharp, jagged pieces. Check toys to see if they need repairs. A drop of glue, a tightened bolt, a few drops of oil, or even a bit of adhesive tape may allow your baby to safely use the toy.

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