The industry group's position is supported by reports from the American Council on Science and Health, the CPSC and the Food and Drug Administration that concluded phthalates are not harmful to children and adults. Nonetheless, Mattel, Gerber, Little Tykes and other manufacturers are phasing out the use of phthalates in their teething toys, and major retail chains have taken these products off the shelves. Children under 3 are especially prone to choking. If the toy or a detachable piece of a toy can fit inside the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper, a child could choke on it. Look for sharp points or edges.
Children love to get silly or play rough, and can easily injure themselves.
Test for volume. Consider eye safety. Beware of such toys as airplanes with unprotected propellers and guns that shoot foam darts and disks. Watch for strangulation hazards. Check the length of pull cords on toys and tug on a basketball net to make sure it doesn't unhook easily from the rim or have knots that slide.