Need Advice on Organizing Small Toys That Are Choking Hazard to My Young Son

I agree with the last poster. My sister has 5 kids and that is how she's always done it--plastic bins with "Choking Hazards" written on it--they are sorted by type (legos, etc.) then put up on a high shelf. Her kids learned over time that they need to ask for those bins when they want them, and then put the things away as soon as they are done playing with them. I like the last poster's suggestion to have her play with the toys when the baby is sleeping.

I'm in the same position as you are, and I haven't been doing a great job of doing this myself. I'm also not sure my son would really "get it" and be good at keeping the pieces together and picked up. But I always try to scan the room I'm in for choking hazards when I walk in, so that I can pick them up and put them out of the way.

Good luck.

At 7mthd old, I would think he should play in either a a pack in play with his toys or an exercise chair/acticity or a high-chair. There are also activities they CAN do together, cooked noodle play, painting, playdough,water play, coloring ect. It is a battle to keep small item from little hands, try to group her small toy activities in little bins can she play with them up on a kitchen table where he can not get to them?

honestly, to be totally safe, you just cant have the stuff around. all of my kids' tiny things are in storage until later. if you cant be sure they are separate, dont take a chance. on the upside, your daughter is old enough to understand. my kids have been so thoroughly trained, they scold other people for bringing "choking hazards" into our house. i let them be somewhat rude, i dont care, they get a kick out of the fact that i let them boss people around when it comes to that, and it keeps things safe. plus its another set of eyes closer to the ground! my kids are usually the first to spot an escape dime or screw or something, even a pill that fell out of a guests bag! let her be your choking hazard supervisor.

Store your toys with small parts in boxes with pictures of your son on the side so she can choose those boxes to play with only while he's napping. Other toys can be played with anytime. For more toy info please visit billiediscoverytoys.blogspot.com

Put items in clear plastic containers with lids out of baby's reach (daughter can see and know they are there). Also, have them be special toys she plays with when the baby is asleep. Encourage how much baby loves her, wants to be with her, responds to her voice, loves to watch her dance, sing, (do things that she can do while the baby is around); this way she entertains the baby, and does not feel like the baby is ruining all her fun. There is play with baby b/c I am so great time and play with tiny stuff when baby is asleep (and can't play - too bad) time.

Not at all try having like a space where she will play with her toys or have the small toys up on a table where its easy for her to reach but not ur lil one. Always keep a close eye when ur baby is down and crawling they put n e tthing and everything n 2 there mouths thats what they do. Hope this helps u

My daughter will be 4 next month, and my nephew will be 18 months. My daughter has done pretty well with knowing what her cousin can & can't play with. We've told her to watch him around her toys and that he can't play with the little toys. She also knows he is not supposed to put things in his mouth. She will let us know if she thinks he is doing anything wrong!! lol

So, in addition to what the previous mama said, talk to your daughter about the small toys and explain to her that her brother cannot play with those or put things in his mouth. She can help you keep an eye on him! But still do your best to keep the toys on a table and keep your own eyes on him of course.