While age-labeling of toys is a great help, it is meant to be merely a guide-line. You, as an adult involved with the child, are ultimately the best judge about the abilities, interests and play needs of the child you are buying for, especially in the case of challenged children.

Always buy toys that have a fixed Maximum Retails Price (MRP). The toys must also have the name and address of the manufacturer clearly displayed on them.

It is advisable to buy from toy shops and toy retail outlets, rather than from roadside vendors, or temporary installments.

Always remove and immediately discard all packaging from the toy before giving it to your child.

Spot check toys regularly for minor damage and encourage your child to let you know when his toys need repair. Often a spot of glue, a tightened bolt, a few drops of oil or a bit of tape will prevent further damage and possible accident.

A toy damaged beyond repair should be discarded and replaced promptly.

Remember that youngsters learn safe play habits and responsibility from grown-ups. Read instructions carefully to make sure that both you and the child understand them. Special attention to directions will result in safer play and longer toy life.

Avoid sex-labeling e.g. making your girl play only with dolls and your boy only with guns or cars. You end-up enforcing gender stereotypes, which only hampers the child's natural development into an individual.

If you give your child a new toy and see signs of an allergy, take the toy away. If the symptoms disappear, do not give the toy back to the child.

In the case of soft toys, make sure that the seams, buttons, eye, etc. cannot be easily ripped from the toy. Also check to make sure that the fur doesn't come off on being pulled. The toys must also be washable in order to keep them free from dust and mites.