The Best Baby Gifts Ever

I will periodically cull from this page toys that appear on the government recall list, but I encourage you to check this list yourself if you're uncertain about a toy's safety.

U.S. Consumer Products Toy Hazard Recalls

Be sure that the toy you buy is developmentally suitable for the child. It tempting to "buy ahead", to buy a toy that the child can grow into. Please advise the parents if you do this so that they can put the toy aside until the baby is ready. In the excitement of Christmas or birthdays, the parents may not notice the age requirements on the box.

Make sure there are no small parts for children under 3. To see whether a toy is a choking risk, try to fit it through a toilet paper roll. If a toy or part of a toy can fit inside the roll, it's not safe for a child under 3.

May sure the toy does not contain small magnets. Two or more magnets (or a magnet and a metal object) swallowed can be attracted to each other through intestinal walls, causing twisting of the intestines, holes, blockages, infection.

Make sure that there aren't cords on the toys. This can pose a strangulation hazard.