With millions of toys being recalled for having lead paint, dangerous magnets, or hazardous construction, it is a fact that the vast majority of toys are safe. However, there is always a risk of injury. There are federal standards for toy safety, but parents still need to act cautiously when it comes to choosing their children's toys.

Every year more than 200,000 children receive injuries from toys that cut, puncture, burn, shock, or choke them. Many times the cause is a lack of supervision, misuse of the toy, or use of a toy that is not age-appropriate. These accidents happen at home, in school, at the home of playmates, even in day care. The figure includes more than 70,000 toy-related injuries to pre-schoolers.

While there are mandatory federal standards and voluntary industry standards for toy safety, these are no guarantee of safety, since safety testing is only performed at random or after children experience injuries from a particular toy. So you, the consumer, need to do your own testing before you purchase a toy for a child.

While you may find good toys at local yard sales or thrift shops, you need to ask yourself if the toys were part of a recall or if they are, in fact, santized. At today's prices, it's tempting to buy used toys but is it really in the best interests of your child? As for new toys, many safe, good toys are available in a wide range of prices, so it really makes sense to invest some money in a toy that is appropriate even if it is used for only a short time.

While you may find good toys at local yard sales or thrift shops, you need to ask yourself if the toys were part of a recall or if they are, in fact, santized. At today's prices, it's tempting to buy used toys but is it really in the best interests of your child? As for new toys, many safe, good toys are available in a wide range of prices, so it really makes sense to invest some money in a toy that is appropriate even if it is used for only a short time.

There are several reliable sources for determining toy safety, quality, and value. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a government agency which supplies many great tips on line at their website. Major retailers have on line sites as well that provide unbiased consumer reviews. The leader in this is Amazon.com. They have been around the longest and they provide the good and bad when it comes to consumer reviews. This is important because many other retailers do not provide this information as it may interfere with sales. Amazon puts the consumer first.

Besides consumer reviews, here are some good tips suggested by consumers:

Look for Testing Labels

As a parent, you need to check for markings indicating that toys have been safety-tested by an independent, third party product safety organization, such as Underwriters Laboratory. A U.L. mark on a toy means that the product has been thoroughly tested by U.L. engineering staff and found to meet all relevant safety requirements.

Look for Age Notices

For example, if the toy you are considering purchasing has a marking such as: age 3 and up or age 2 and up, you will not want to buy the toy if your child is age a year-and-a-half. If your child is only a year-and-a-half. Such toys could contain small parts that might pose a choking hazard for your child.

Look for Manufacturer Warnings

Nearly all toys today contain a manufacturer's warning. You need to take the warning seriously. It has been placed there to protect your child from harm. Also, be sure to read any instruction booklet that comes with the toy. Look for other safety labels including: "Flame retardant/Flame resistant" on fabric products and "Washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls.

Be Sure to Clean Up and Clean Up

Wipe down plastic, wood, or metal toys with a mild anti-bacterial soap and water solution to remove any possible human or machine contamination before the child uses the toy on a regular basis.

Immediately throw out any plastic packaging and gift-wrapping after a toy has been opened. Such materials can represent a suffocation hazard. Also, be sure to inspect the toy for possible cracks, breaks, or ripped seams which could pose a danger to your child. Sharp edges can lead to painful cuts for children. If a toy must be assembled, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.

Toy Storage Is Important

Toy boxes, too, should be checked for safety. Use a toy chest that has a lid that will stay open in any position to which it is raised, and will not fall unexpectedly on a child. For extra safety, be sure there are ventilation holes for fresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cut and hinges that could pinch or squeeze. See that toys used outdoors are stored after play -- rain or dew can rust or damage a variety of toys and toy parts creating hazards.

When Choosing Which Toys To Buy

Choose toys with more than fun in mind. Keep in mind the child's age, interests and skill level. For example, educational toys are an important part of a child's intellectual growth. They teach a little boy or girl about colors, sounds, letters, motion, and friction. They can also inspire a child's creativity.

Small Children Should Have Toys For Small Children

Keep toys designed for older children out of the hands of little ones. Follow labels that give age recommendations -- some toys are recommended for older children because they may be hazardous in the hands of a younger child. Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger brothers and sisters.

Even balloons, when uninflated or broken, can choke or suffocate if young children try to swallow them. More children have suffocated on uninflated balloons and pieces of broken balloons than on any other type of toy.

Be a wise toy buyer. You can purchase "fun" toys that are also safe and priced for just about any budget.