The Washington-Greene Blind Association is helping to make sure all children and parents are asking Santa for the safest and most appropriate toys this holiday season.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 235,300 toy-related injuries treated in emergency rooms across the country, with 75 percent of the injuries associated with children ages 14 and younger.

The following tips will help you and Santa choose the perfect toy:

n Tip 1: Consider the Size of the Toy. For infants, toddlers and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small, or sharp parts, such as buttons, eyes, or wheels. These parts could be swallowed and could pose a fatal choking hazard. As a test, if any part of the toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is considered a hazard and not appropriate for children under the age of 3.

n Tip 2: Consider the Shape of the Toy. Make sure a toy doesn't have any blunt ends or edges that have points. These toys can be very sharp and could puncture the skin or eyes. Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. BB Guns and air guns should not even be considered toys.

n Tip 3: Check the Label. Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and warnings. Look for any toxic substances that may be painted on the toy and check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you and your child.

n Tip 4: Discard Plastic Wrapping and Strings. Immediately discard plastic wrapping on toys and avoid all toys with strings. Plastic wrapping may have sharp edges and could cause suffocation, while strings can be very dangerous especially if the string gets wrapped around your child's neck.

n Tip 5: Protect Your Child with Gear. Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear. For example, if you buy a basketball, buy a pair of eye goggles as well, or if you buy a baseball, buy a batting helmet with a face shield. Ninety percent of all sports-related eye injuries could have been prevented simply by using appropriate eye protection.

n Tip 6: Finally, educate yourself on products that have been recalled, on both new and old toys. Contact the CPSC at 800-638-2772 or go to www.cpsc.gov for more information.

Follow these easy tips, and make this holiday season a cheerful one.

For more information about safe toys and gift ideas, contact Beverly Weimer at The Washington-Greene Blind Association 724-228-0770, or email Beverlyatbweimer@onecommail.com.