• Make sure that you read and follow all manufacturer's guidelines and warnings. They are there to protect your little one from pieces that are too small.
• Young children's hearing is quite sensitive, and it can be harmed by toys that are too loud. If the toy is louder than a "loud" conversation, then it can damage your child's hearing. Either take out the batteries, or put tape over the toy to soften the sound.
• Check all toys for sharp edges, broken pieces, and loose parts, all of which can be choking hazards.
• When buying a ball for your toddler, make sure that it is bigger than 1.75 inches in diameter to avoid it from becoming a choking hazard.
• Try not to buy any toys that have parts that shoot out of them.
• If the toy has any strings or cords attached, make sure that they are not long enough to fit around your toddler's neck. These cords often have beads or knobs on them. It's a good idea to remove these to avoid choking.  
• If a toy fits through a toilet paper tube, then it's too small for your toddler to play with.
• Older siblings often have toys with small parts. Try and keep them away from your toddler.  
• Balloons can be dangerous for small children. If they burst and your toddler puts it in her mouth, they can quickly block the airway. 
• Remember toddlers are also quite "tough on their stuff." Purchase toys that are made of durable materials that won't break when thrown and dropped.
• Maintain and care for your toddler's toys on a regular basis. Why not get into the habit of checking them over for broken pieces and sharp edges whenever you put them away at the end of the day?
• Check stuffed toys for small pieces such as noses, eyes and buttons that may not be securely attached. It can also be a good idea to check the seams on these toys as they can break over time. Sew them back up securely to avoid any dangerous choking hazards contained within them. It's not just attached pieces that can cause a problem. My little girl sucked so much on her teddy's hands that the seams came undone, and I had to sew them back up regularly. Giving up teddy was not an option as he went everywhere with her! So we had to put a "maintenance plan" into action!
• Buy toys which display the label "non-toxic."
• 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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