As parents, we do our best to ensure that our little ones grow up with everything they need. Creating a safe and healthy environment is something that all parents strive for and something that’s especially important when our children are younger.

Parents know how to protect children from dangers like small toys that can be choking hazards and dangling, frayed electrical cords that can cause shock. But what about the dangers you can’t see, like lead in the paint of brightly colored blocks or the chemicals in a plastic sippy cup? Here are the latest toy safety guidelines you should be aware of.

There’s been a lot of concern and government investigation into toys and baby bottles that contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of many plastic items. The debate is over whether this substance has developmental effects in children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration claims its regulated products containing BPA are safe. However, it has also formed a new BPA task force to do more research.

Another substance that has sent up some red flags are phathalates, a group of chemicals included in a variety of products, such as toys made of flexible polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC).

It takes vigilance and some common sense to keep your baby safe from toxic toys. Staying up to date on efforts to improve toy safety will give you peace of mind.