The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates toys sold in the U.S., and toys must meet certain federal safety standards. For example, they must have acceptably low levels of lead in paint. They must not have sharp surfaces or points. Toys meant for children under 3 years may not have small parts, such as small balls or marbles, that could pose a choking, ingestion, or inhalation hazard. Other items on the safety checklist: no pinching parts; no small wires that could poke through; no strings, cords, or necklaces that could trap a baby’s neck. Toys must not exceed flammability limits and they must contain no hazardous chemicals.

Teethers and squeeze toys must be large enough not to pose choking hazards. The same goes for rattles, which also must be designed so they can’t separate into small pieces. Labels on crib gyms and mobiles must warn parents to remove them when a baby can push up on his hands and knees (about 6 months).

In recent years, the CPSC has recalled numerous toys for various reasons--rattles with seams that opened during use, releasing a bell or small beads (choking hazards), as well as toy phones with push buttons and antenna that could detach (also a choking hazard). If you’ve had a bad experience with a toy, call the CPSC at 800-638-2772 or log on to www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Your call may lead to a recall. For more information about unsafe children's products, see our Safety blog.