Guidelines

• Building blocks offer a multitude of learning opportunities for children. Check to make sure that your child's wooden blocks have smooth surfaces. Also check that the paints and finishes on them are non-toxic. It can also be a good idea to model safe ways to play with their wooden blocks by building with your child. 
• Role playing with dolls is a big part of play for children of this age. Be careful to select a safe doll. If arms, legs or heads can be removed, make sure that there are no sharp wires inside the body. The plastic needs to be quite soft, as hard plastic can break causing sharp surfaces or small parts to break off. Check that eyes and buttons cannot be easily removed. All clothing for the doll should have velcro and/or clips to dress the doll. There should be no pins used at all. Check handbags and doll accessories to make sure they are safe and don't contain sequins or small pieces. Check your child's dolls regularly to see if any ribbons, buttons, or small pieces have become loose.  
• Children love to play with cars and trucks. Choose toy cars which are made from very durable material. Make sure that all the little parts such as windows, seats and steering wheels are securely attached. Metal vehicles need to be checked for sharp pieces and edges. The wheels should be firmly attached, if they do come off, make sure that they don't expose sharp axles or rough metal. Be careful when selecting dump trucks. Make sure little fingers can't get squashed when the tray is tilted and put down again. If the truck has a towing string make sure that it is not long enough to fit around your child's neck.  
• Fridge magnets are fun. However, if you have a young child under three in the house, they will need to be placed up high out of reach.  
• Kites provide lots and lots of outdoor fun. Follow these tips and make your next kite flying experience is a safe one. The kite should not be made with anything metal. They should come with the following safety label, "WARNING: Do not use near overhead power lines."  Check the line of the kite and make sure it's made with no metal materials. Any metal can be a potential "shock hazard."  
• Toy guns and pistols can be dangerous. They should have a barrel plug and not be designed so children can shoot out projectiles such as pens or pins. Always supervise these toys and tell your child never to aim it at another persons face.  
• Chemistry sets are very exciting, but you will need to wait until your child is over the age of 12 in order to be safe.  
• Trampolines can offer hours of fun. Try and find one that has a net all the way around it and one with an opening which can be closed to prevent children from falling out.
• Toy Chests can be a good way to store your child's toys, but they can also be a safety hazard. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following safety tips for safe toy chest use: "Make sure they have locking supports and safe hinges, as well as ventilation holes."

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