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Black, White and Fun Toys

High-contrast Toys for Baby

By Alexandria Powell

• Be a label reader! Look for safety labels on products and heed them.
• Toys intended for children younger than 3 should be large enough that they can't become choking hazards and should have no small removable parts. When in doubt, use this simple test: Can the toy fit through a toilet paper tube? If so, it's too small.
• Be especially cautious with toys with cords and strings – they can become wrapped around an infant's neck.

• Toys should be cleaned when they are obviously soiled, when your baby is recovering from an illness and if other babies have played with them.
• You should always clean toys according to product labels. As a general rule, however, fabric toys can be washed in the laundry using hot water. Small plastic toys without batteries can usually go in the dishwasher. If the toy has batteries, wipe the outside clean with dish soap and water, then allow to air dry.
• After plastic toys are thoroughly cleaned, sanitize them using a solution of 1/4 cup of household bleach in one gallon of water. Dip toys without batteries in the solution, then allow to air dry. Toys with batteries can be wiped off with the solution, then air dried.

• Keep up with recalls. To see if a toy has been recalled, click here.
• Check toys frequently for damage. Broken toys should be thrown away.
• Babies grow up, but toys don't. Be continually mindful of age limits, especially for items such as crib mobiles, which should be removed from the crib once your child is able to pull up on her hands and knees.