Names and Trends -

"Blue's Clues Toy Notebooks" (3.8 million) that are recalled have red plastic coils with flexible plastic end caps covering sharply bent coil ends. The bent coil ends can break off, presenting a small parts choking hazard to children. CPSC is aware of four incidents where the end piece of the coil broke off. People should call Colorbok toll-free at (877) 677-4725 to obtain a free replacement coil. Blue's Clues Toy Notebooks currently being sold with "Version 2" on the back cover or lower edge of the packaging are not part of this recall.

"Precious Moments Tender Tails Stuffed Toys" (472,000) have pompoms that can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. CPSC is aware of three reports of pompoms detaching. People should cut off the pompoms and return them to Enesco to receive a different, free Tender Tails toy.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Council, more than 120,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries during 1998. To prevent eye injuries, the Academy offers these tips for choosing safe toys:

Tips on buying baby toys that are safe;

Select only toys and gifts that are appropriate for the child's age and maturity level.

Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.

Check labels for American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approval, to be sure toys meet national safety standards.

Consider carefully before giving BB, paint or pellet guns or air-powered rifles as gifts. They are classified as firearms and should not be considered toys. Darts, as well as bows and arrows, can also be dangerous.

Don't forget that participating in sports such as basketball, baseball, football and hockey can cause serious eye injuries. If giving sports equipment, make sure to include the appropriate protective headgear such as helmets, facemasks or goggles with polycarbonate lenses.

The seriousness of an eye injury may not be immediately obvious. When an injury does occur, it's best to have an ophthalmologist -- an Eye M.D. -- examine the eye as soon as possible. For more information about eye health and safety, visit the Academy's website at www.eyenet.org. For more information about toy safety, visit the Consumer Product Safety Council's website at www.cpsc.gov.

Dangerous baby toys that were recalled; http://www.kidsource.com/cpsc/holiday.toy.summary.html

We hope the Tips on buying Safe Baby Toys gave you plenty of ideas for what to get baby. There are more tips for buying Safe Baby Toys at http://babyport.info Take time to choose the right baby toys and it will be very much appreciated by both parent and baby.