Babies need playthings - whether household items or store-bought toys - to teach, stimulate and entertain them.
But before you give baby anything to play with, make sure it is age appropriate - look at the age ranges on toy packaging for general guidelines and consider baby's interests and abilities.
Most importantly, make sure toys are safe.
Look for toys that:
will not break or come apart easily.
do not have small pieces, sharp edges or breakable parts.
are not small enough to swallow, cause choking or become lodged in a child's windpipe, ears or nose.
can be easily cleaned.
have safe finishes or non-toxic paint.
do not produce loud or sharp sounds that can damage hearing.
do not have strings or cords longer than six inches.
Be careful about toy chests. Make sure they have ventilation and lids that don't lock, in case baby climbs in. It is better to use open shelves to store toys.
Make sure your home is properly child-proofed so that baby has safe surroundings to explore.- CAFSA