Family Tips

Look for strong and well made toys. In this age kids often pull and twist toys and try to put them in their mouths. Check that eyes, noses, buttons, and other parts that could break off are substantially fixed.
Do not give your child toys intended for older kids, as they may have small parts and pose a choking hazard. Make certain that squeeze toys, rattles and teethers are large enough to be placed in your baby’s mouth or throat.
Regularly observe your kid’s toys to control that they are not broken or do not have removable broken parts.
Avoid toys with cords or long strings, as they can get wrapped around the neck of a kid. And never hang a toy around a toddler’s neck.
Don’t give your child to play with uninflated or broken balloons. Mylar balloons are much less likely to break, but even they can pose a hazard to young kids. If you are going to use balloons at a child’s party or celebration, don’t let your kids to blow up the balloons themselves, and check whether all are deflated and put away afterward. Parents should always supervise children while they play with balloons.
Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are less than 1.75 inches in diameter.
Do not leave your child along in walkers. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages their usage, as they are a main cause of injuries and especially serious head injuries from falls down stairs.
If you are going to buy art supplies, such as crayons and paints, look for the ASTM D-4236 designation on the package. This means the item you are going to buy has been reviewed by an ASTM toxicologist and has been recognized safe for use by children.