Each year, more than 150,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Innocent-looking toy such as marbles and balloons pose a choking hazard to small children.

"Toys are an important part of a child's development," says Keisha Nickolson of Indiana Safe Kids Coalition at the IU School of Medicine, "but parents need to follow the age and safety recommendations on the labels of each toy. They take into account not only children's cognitive skills, but their ability to handle the toy safely as well."

The Child Safety Protection Act, a federal toy labeling law, requires manufacturers to place warning labels on toys that pose a choking hazard to young children. When selecting a toy for your child, avoid the following:

Toys with small removable parts
The small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a small parts tester (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.

Toys with sharp points or edges
Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns and high-volume portable cassette players can permanently impair a child's hearing.

Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches
Long strings and cords could wrap around a child's neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.

Electrical toys. Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard
Avoid toys with a heating element, batteries and electrical plug for children under age 8.

Toys painted with lead paint
Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a child's brain, kidneys and nervous system.

Toy cap guns
Paper roll, strip or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.

The Indiana Safe Kids Coalition recommends using the following guidelines for age-appropriate toys:

Infants under 1: Activity quilts, stuffed animals without button noses and eyes, bath toys, soft dolls, baby swings, cloth books and squeaky toys.

1 to 3: Books, blocks, fit-together toys, balls, push-and-pull toys, pounding toys and shape toys.

3 to 5: Approved nontoxic art supplies, books, videos, musical instruments, and outdoor toys such as a baseball tee, slide or swing.

5 to 9: Recommended toys include craft materials, jump ropes, puppets, books, and electric trains (after age 8) and sports equipment. Remember, children ages 8 and up can begin to use electrical and battery-operated toys. Check tape recorders and battery-operated toys regularly for loose or exposed wires. Don't allow children to change batteries.

9 to 14: For these children, appropriate gifts include computers, microscopes, table and board games, and outdoor and team sports equipment. Ensure that older children's toys are kept out of reach of younger children, for whom they may present a danger.