Children play a vital role in our lives no matter if you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or a family friend. They are our priority and their happiness is the key to our happiness. However, providing them safety is critical. Therefore, before purchasing their favorite toy this holiday season, take a look at some tips for selecting safe toys.

Safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
 Consider child’s age, interests, skill level, and developmental appropriateness of the toy before allowing them to be played with.
 Follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
 Look for quality and construction of the toy. A toy should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed or pulled apart easily.
 Children under age 3 tend to put everything in their mouths. Therefore, avoid buying toys that may have small parts that pose a choking danger.
 Avoid toys with strings, cords longer than 7 inches that may pose a risk for strangulation for young children.
 Avoid toys constructed with thin, brittle plastic which may easily break into small pieces.
 Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.
 Avoid toys with sharp edges and points.
 When choosing crayons and/or paint sets look for “ASTM D-4236” which means the product has been reviewed for chronic health hazards and met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
 When buying a toy gun make sure it’s brightly colored so it’s not mistaken for a real gun.
 Do not give crayons or markers to children unless they are labeled “nontoxic.”
 Avoid toys with heating elements.
 Keep kids safe from lead in toys.
 When buying skateboards, skates, or bicycles buy protective gear too. Falls could be deadly.
 Adults should check all toys periodically for potential hazards and breakage. Anything damaged should be repaired or thrown away.
 Explain to the child how to use the toy.
 Supervise children while playing.Once gifts are open, immediately discard toy packaging and wrapping.
 Teach older children to keep their toys away from younger siblings.
 Teach all children to put toys away when they’re finished playing to avoid tripping over them and/or falling.
 Dispose of uninflated or broke balloons immediately because of the choking danger.