We’re approaching that time of year when choosing and buying toys is high on the agenda but it is important to remember toys can be dangerous as well as fun.

" da de da de da " says A&E Consultant and HAPG member ……………………………About 41,000 accidents in the home and 77,000 outside, to under 15s, were recorded in 1988 involving toys and playthings. Choking is the cause of most fatalities and there are 350 visits to casualty each year for under 3s with foreign bodies lodged in noses, ears etc. Poisonings, cuts, bruises, fractures and burns are also too often caused by children’s toys.

So what can parents do? Choose the right toy for the age of your child, read all safety/ warning labels and show how the toy works. If older brothers and sister are playing nearby, keep their toys away from young children. Construction type kits cause around 200 accidents a year, mostly connected with foreign bodies and children under 2. A sturdy toy box is a good investment, make sure it is fitted with a device to prevent the lid slamming down on fingers.

Don’t buy a bicycle as a surprise, it needs to be ‘fitted’ to the child and don’t forget to buy a correctly fitting helmet. For bicycles, roller skates and roller blades make sure correct safety gear is worn and provide a supervised, safe area for children to learn.

Check toys regularly and throw away broken ones. Don’t hand them into Charity shops or take them to car boot sales or you will be passing a hazard to someone else. If you are buying second hand, which can be excellent value, take the time to check the toy carefully.

Supervise playtime and be aware of the potential dangers of open fires, candles etc. and excitable children. Make sure toys are put away after play - the most common injuries are cuts, bruises or fractures from falls often involving carelessly discarded toys. Also, check that plastic wrappings around Christmas presents are not left for toddlers to find.

What to look out for when buying toys

Toys with a Lion Mark, CE Mark and/or reference to BS 5665 show that the toy meets a safety standard. Parents and retailers, your local Trading Standards office are in the business of helping to get things right - if you have any questions or concerns ring your local office for advice.

For sellers, Market Stall or a High Street retailer, ring before you are subject to an unannounced ‘spot check’ by Trading Standards officers! A penalty of up to £5000 may result.

Poorly designed or made toys are a major cause of accidents. Keep your eye on local papers as Trading Standards will keep you informed if defective products are found for sale. Their advice: "beware of cheap imitations" and "if in doubt - don’t buy - but do bring the item to the attention of the retailer".