Many children will be looking forward to toys under the tree this Christmas, but Health Canada is reminding consumers of the importance of putting safety first.

Local Product Safety Officer with Health Canada, Tanya Pickett, says it’s very important to ensure toys are age appropriate.

She says it’s especially important when giving toys to a child under the age of three to ensure it is suitable. Any toy with small parts or parts that could break off can become a dangerous choking hazard.

It’s also not just the toy itself that could pose harm. Pickett says any packaging can also be a concern.

Any plastic bags can increase the risk of suffocation. Pickett says it’s important to dispose of packaging as soon as the items are removed because often times kids will play with things like plastic bags.