Millions of toys are out there, and hundreds of new ones hit the stores each year. Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important part of any child's development. But each year, scores of kids are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger, because they tend to put objects in their mouths.

Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new plush toy animals for specific age groups. But perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is to supervise play. The following is some advice on how you can make toys-playing process safer.

Old toys passed down from other family members might have sentimental value and are certainly cost-effective, but they may not meet current safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break and become hazardous. So you need to steer clear of old stuffed toys wholesale, and those hand-me-downs from friends and family.

Second, make sure a toy isn't too loud for your child. The noise of some rattles, squeak toys, and musical or electronic toys can be as loud as a car horn or even louder if a child holds it directly to the ears. This will more than not contribute to hearing damage of little kids.

Third, after you've bought safe toys, it's also important to make sure kids know how to use them. The best way to do this is by supervising play. Playing with your kids teaches them how to play safely while having fun.

And be sure to keep toys clean. Some plastic toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but read the plush  toy manufacturer's directions first. Another option is to mix antibacterial soap or a mild dishwashing detergent with hot water in a spray bottle and use it to clean toys, rinsing them afterward.