Toddlers can be nerve racking to be around because they have the ability to move quickly but lack the maturity to understand danger. For this reason, your child needs close and continuous supervision when playing. All toys are not for all children. Your child may be the next Einstein, but for safety reasons, it is still important to follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations when shopping for toddler toys, and to remember to put away anything in the house that might pose a danger.

Knowing what to expect from your child’s behavior during this year will help you select safer toys. Below is a list of some toddler behaviors to consider when selecting playthings:

• Toddlers put everything in their mouths. Avoid toys with small parts that can cause your child to choke. If at all in doubt about the safety of a toy, use a “choke tube” (available at any baby supply store) to test its size. Also, avoid plastic toys made with PVC, where there is a potential for harmful chemicals to leak out.

• Toddlers throw toys. Choose toys that are durable and that will not break into small pieces or sharp edges. Get rid of broken toys immediately.

• Toddlers like to carry toys while they walk or run. Avoid toys with sharp points that could poke or injure them if they fall.

• Toddlers love to climb. Discourage climbing on furniture and instead provide a climber with a wide, sturdy base.

• Toddlers put their sticky fingers on everything within reach. Put away heavy or breakable objects.

• Toddlers love to imitate adults. Provide toy versions of things you use daily (such as the telephone), but lock away pills, alcohol, household cleaners and yard chemicals so that your child does not imitate your use of these materials. Use child-proof locks wherever medicines and poisons are stored.

• Toddlers need to be taught to put away their toys. Plastic crates, cardboard boxes, plastic laundry baskets and open shelves can be used for storing toys. If you use a conventional toy chest, make sure the lid won’t slam down on little fingers or lock a toddler in who has climbed inside. Also, make sure your toy chest has a safety lock: but make sure there are ventilation holes in case your toddler does manage to jail herself. For outdoor toys, find a dry storage area.