| When choosing any sort of toys for your children | | | | surfaces to contend with. Make sure that any broken |
| there are basic safety rules to follow, and there are | | | | toys are disposed of immediately; make your own |
| even a few extras for outdoor play. The main thing | | | | judgments as to whether or not they can be fixed. |
| to remember that selecting even the best and safest | | | | If you do attempt to fix a toy, do your own |
| toys does not mean that your child no longer needs | | | | destruction tests to ensure durability before giving it |
| supervision. Any time your children are outside playing | | | | back to your child. |
| an adult needs to be close by and watching. | | | | 3. For Climbing Toys, make sure they are |
| Some basic safety tips for outdoor toddler toys are | | | | constructed with a solid base. |
| as follows: | | | | Toddlers love to climb and even if their toys are not |
| 1. Always follow the suggested age range on the | | | | meant for climbing you can be sure they will try to. |
| toys | | | | To allow them to play without injury, purchase |
| Whether or not you think your child can handle a | | | | toddler toys that are meant for climbing. When |
| more grown up toy, or see nothing to warrant a high | | | | choosing a climbing toy or play set make sure there |
| age range, follow the guidelines. As a child gets older, | | | | is a very firm and solid base. Perform your own tests |
| he or she becomes more aware of dangers, and | | | | to make sure that it will not tip or collapse when |
| therefore can handle toys that may have a rough | | | | your child tries to climb on it. Check for solid |
| edge or may be a little heavier. This is not true for | | | | construction throughout and nothing poking out or |
| toddlers. Toddlers have little sense of danger and will | | | | sharp that could hurt your child. If you need to |
| often use toys in unexpected ways. For this reason | | | | assemble the toy, put it together and then double |
| toys for toddlers should be solid, lightweight and be | | | | check it before allowing your child to use it. If you will |
| free of any rough or sharp edges. If the child drops | | | | fit, try it out yourself. Many (but not all) toddler toys |
| an age appropriate toy, or falls while holding it, the | | | | are designed to hold adult weight limits. |
| risk of being injured is greatly decreased. | | | | Choosing the best toddler toys for outdoor play is a |
| 2. Find toys that are durable. | | | | mixture of common sense and a willingness to test |
| Toddlers are destructive, so their toys should be | | | | and inspect toys to make sure they are truly safe. |
| very durable. Expect your children to be dropping, | | | | Follow the manufacturer's directions for assembly and |
| tossing, climbing in, on and around their toys, and | | | | placement. Be sure to store all of your outdoor toys |
| make sure that they can withstand that sort of | | | | in a dry storage area as well, and remember never |
| activity. Durability is particularly important for outdoor | | | | let your child play alone, join in on the fun! |
| toys, as you have the sidewalk and other hard | | | | |