Toys
Since anything babies play with is bound to be put into the mouth, toys
should have smooth surfaces, and they should be easy to wash. There
should be no sharp edges or detachable parts such as glass eyes,
buttons, pompons, and bells.
Even though loving relatives and friends shower your baby with elaborate
rattles, and gadgets to be suspended over carriages or crib, you have to
select and offer the baby only those playthings that are safe and
appropriate for your baby’s age. If you ever decide to repaint one of
your baby’s toys, never use a lead-base paint, because it can cause lead
poisoning.
Simple toys are best, especially for babies: rattles that cannot be
broken or chewed into small pieces; teething rings; dolls and animals
made of cloth, plastic, or rubber; spoons and cups; spools strung
together; cereal boxes; and, of course, something that floats in the
bathtub such as a sponge whale or a soft rubber duck.
