At first glance, that cuddly, brown plush bear may seem like the perfect gift for your friend's baby shower. But a closer examination could reveal some safety issues&mdash;that felt nose could come off and be a choking hazard. That neck ribbon could come loose and be a strangling threat.
Just because an item is for sale doesn't mean it's safe. 
To help ensure that you're choosing safe baby gifts, follow these guidelines from the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=CPSC" target="_blank">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission</a> and the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=AAP" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>: 
Crib toys 
<ul>
 <li>Choose crib gyms that can be secured at both ends to prevent a baby from pulling them into the crib. </li>
 <li>Avoid crib toys with points that can hook clothing. </li>
</ul>
Baby gates 
<ul>
 <li>Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions and&nbsp;warning labels to make sure you're using the right type of gate.&nbsp;For the top of stairs, use gates that can be attached to the wall.</li>
 <li>Avoid accordion-style gates,&nbsp;which can trap a child's arm or neck.</li>
</ul>
Rattles, squeeze toys and teethers 
Rattles, squeeze toys and teethers with small handles or parts pose a choking hazard. 
<ul>
 <li>Check rattles, squeeze toys and teethers for narrow handles or small ends that could reach into the back of a baby's mouth. </li>
 <li>Avoid squeeze toys and rattles with ball-shaped ends. </li>
 <li>Remove any string or tie that could fasten around a baby's neck. </li>
 <li>Check squeeze toys to make sure the squeaker can't be removed. </li>
</ul>
Toy chests 
Toy chest or trunk lids can fall on toddlers' heads or necks. 
<ul>
 <li>Find a toy chest with a lid that will stay open in any position. </li>
 <li>Avoid toy chests with latches. </li>
 <li>Look for a toy chest with ventilation holes. Children have suffocated after climbing into toy chests to hide or sleep. </li>
</ul>
Toys 
Pay attention to the manufacturer's age and safety guidelines. 
<ul>
 <li>Look for toys labeled 3 and younger. Age labels show what ages a toy is safe for. And they can help you decide which toys your little one might enjoy. </li>
 <li>Look for toys made of sturdy, durable materials that won't break or shatter if a child throws or bangs them. </li>
 <li>Check that the eyes and noses on stuffed animals and dolls are firmly attached. Remove all ribbons. </li>
</ul>
Clothing 
Drawstrings in the hoods of children's coats and sweatshirts can catch on playground equipment, fences or cribs. Most clothing manufacturers voluntarily removed drawstrings from their products beginning in 1995. 
<ul>
 <li>Look for clothing with safe fasteners such as Velcro and snaps. </li>
 <li>Before handing down used clothing, remove any drawstrings. </li>
</ul>
Safety gifts 
You can also buy gifts that will help make a baby's home a safer place to grow. Try topping your gift with a package of child safety locks for drawers and cabinets or safety plugs for electrical outlets. 
Reviewed 7/12/2023

Give babies the gift of safety

Learn to evaluate the safety of toys and equipment for babies and toddlers.