As the holiday season approaches, mothers and fathers will be sharing time with their children and will be looking for that "special" thing for their kids. Inevitably, mother and fathers will be purchasing toys and games for family and friends. But where do you start to make sure that the item is safe?

I have a "Top Ten" list of things parents should keep in mind when purchasing toys and games.

FUN PLAY TOP TEN LIST

1. Before shopping for toys, consider the child's age, interests, and abilities. Be selective in your purchases.
2. When shopping, read labels. Look for age gradings and safety warning labels.
3. Be especially careful when choosing toys for children under three. Select toys that are free of small pieces (or pieces that separate or can be broken off), are lightweight, have no sharp edges or points, and are non-toxic.
4. At home, carefully read instructions for assembly and use. Keep product literature in case of future questions and complete warranty cards.
5. Always remove and descard all packaging from a toy before giving it to a baby or small child.
6. Consider the home environment in which a child will play with a toy and younger children who may be there. A toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger one.
7. Supervise children when they play and set good examples of safe play.
8. Remind caregivers, including grandparents, of play-related safety concerns.
9. Choose a safe storage place for toys.
10. Check toys at least every three months to determine their safety. Make any repairs immediately or throw away damaged toys.

Beyond this simple "Top Ten" list, parents should be aware of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Their website is www.cpsc.gov, and is filled with a wealth of information on recalled items and companies that are involved with recalls. The CPSC is an independent federal regulatory agency created to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with some 15,000 types of consumer products, including children's toys. An important part of this mission is to inform the public about product hazards.

TESTING AND SAFETY

The toy industry abd the Federal government work hard to insure that toys are among the safest products brought into the home. Reputable companies will subject theirtoys and games to rigorous safety tests performed by independent testing laboratories. In many cases, a toy may go through more than a dozen safety tests to imitate the kind of use and abuse it may get in the hands of a child. Toys are tested for sharp points and edges, small parts, flammability, toxicity, and more.

In addition, toy labels, and particularly product warning labels, help parents and caregivers choose the right toys for their children. First and foremost, however, parents and caregivers should be their own safety experts. Toys must be used, maintained, and stored correctly to ensure that the safety built in at the factory continues at home. There is no substitute for adult supervision. Have a fun and safe holiday season!