For a curious baby, they can become dangerously attractive.
Small household items represent a particular concern because children can pick them up quickly and place them in their mouths without making a sound.
Coins, beads, jewelry, buttons, small toy pieces, and loose hardware should never be left where infants or toddlers can reach them.
Even objects that appear too large to swallow may contain smaller removable components.
Parents should regularly inspect toys for damage, broken plastic, loose wheels, detachable eyes, or pieces that could separate during play.
Age recommendations on packaging are important safety information, not merely suggestions about whether a toy will entertain a child.
A toy designed for an older child may be completely unsuitable for a baby, even if the younger child seems fascinated by it.
Families with children of different ages face an additional challenge.
An older sibling may enjoy building blocks, miniature figures, beads, or complicated craft projects.
