As the holiday season approaches, Long Island parents can add toy safety to their long list of priorities.

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) reports 20 children died last year from toy-related injuries. According to the NYPIRG, a good way to identify a toy as a choking hazard for children under 3 is if the toy is small enough to fit into a cardboard tube of toilet paper. NYPIRG also warns parents against buying toys with sharp edges, magnetic jewelry and those with powerful magnets.

NYPIRG representatives mention loud toys among those to avoid due to the potential for hearing damage. If an already-owned toy is too loud, NYPIRG recommends removing the battery or covering the speaker with tape.Related Information:New York Public Interest Research Group Mattel Consumer Relations Information