Children learn through play. Toys are often bitten, tugged, sucked, jumped on and thrown about. Children need a safe environment in which to play, and toys which are safe, durable and appropriate to their age and stage of development.

Read the recommended age specified on the package. Toys meant for older children often contain small parts that could be dangerous for a younger child.

Check toys regularly for loose nuts, bolts, rough edges, broken plastic and splintered wood.

Tie up and dispose of plastic bags and film used in packaging to prevent children putting them in their mouths or over their heads or faces.

Provide ventilation holes in toy boxes. Children like to hide and may become trapped in a toy box.

Slow moving hinges on a toy box prevent fingers from becoming jammed.