Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, the official holiday season is upon us once again. It's the time of year when people crowd into toy stores to search for that perfect gift for the youngsters in their lives. Finding just the right gift can be a time-consuming and confusing experience. If you are a smart shopper, though, you will take the time to consider the safety of a toy, and how the child will use it. It is a sad fact that each year, more than 150,000 children are injured in toy-related accidents. Government agencies and consumer groups have worked hard to ensure that toys on sale today are not dangerous. However, it is ultimately up to the consumer to decide whether a toy is safe for a particular child. In an attempt to make your holiday safer, I urge you to follow a few simple guidelines compiled by the Nassau County Department of Health designed to assist shoppers in choosing safe toys for children.

For infants and very young children, toys with long strings or cords are unsuitable. Cords may become wrapped around an infant's neck and cause strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in or above cribs or playpens where children can become entangled.

An infant or toddler should never be given toys containing small parts, as they can become lodged in the child's throat. When purchasing a stuffed toy, make sure it is well made, with eyes, nose and mouth securely fastened.

The toys you purchase should be well constructed, durable and safe. Remember to check the seams on stuffed toys since those poorly constructed can break open and release small pellets that might easily be swallowed or inhaled. Always explain to your child the proper way to use toys safely. Do not give older children dart guns or other toys which fire objects that could injure other children's eyes. If a toy has a sharp edge or point, do not purchase it. Toys made of brittle plastic or glass can be broken easily, forming dangerously sharp cutting edges. Also, avoid toys that produce extremely loud noises that might damage a child's hearing. Parents should examine toys periodically. Repair broken toys, and discard those that cannot be fixed. For more information on selecting safe toys for your children, write to Toy Safety, PO Box 2000, Albany, NY 12220. A little caution goes a long way. On behalf of my wife, Monica, and my daughter, Mary, I wish you a happy and safe holiday season.