| The safety of our children has always been a priority, | | | | Ride on toys require open space that is free of |
| but recent troubles and lack of quality control in the | | | | obstacles. Never let your child ride near stairs, open |
| toy industry have created an even greater concern | | | | water, or steep grades and avoid areas with vehicle |
| for toy safety and potential play time dangers. | | | | traffic. Many toddlers enjoy playing inside with these |
| Traditional toys are a choice we can feel comfortable | | | | traditional toys. Remove furniture that could be |
| with as parents. Traditional toys typically feature | | | | dangerous to her while she plays, like tables with |
| durable, non-toxic construction and undergo stringent | | | | sharp corners, and hide electrical cords that may be |
| testing to ensure that the toys exceed the expected | | | | snagged. |
| standards of quality and safety while providing hours | | | | Supervision |
| of educational fun. | | | | Small children should be constantly supervised on their |
| Ride on toys are no different. Wooden ride on toys | | | | ride on toys. Keep your child in the designated play |
| are simple constructions, made of high quality, natural | | | | area and never point the toy toward a hill. Stay |
| materials and featuring smooth connections that | | | | beside your child if he is riding near a road or |
| reduce injuries. Even though these traditional toys are | | | | driveway; ride on toys are typically low to the |
| made to uphold extremely high safety standards, | | | | ground and not too visible to motorists. |
| toys with moving parts, especially wheels, can pose a | | | | General Outdoor Safety |
| number of hazards. It is important to follow the | | | | Anytime your child is playing outside, there are some |
| safety guidelines for any toy. The following tips will | | | | common guidelines that should always be followed. |
| ensure a safe and happy playtime with your child's | | | | - Apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage, even in |
| ride on toys. | | | | overcast weather. |
| Age Appropriate | | | | - Offer your child plenty of water to keep her |
| Most toy injuries occur because a child is playing with | | | | hydrated. |
| a toy that is not suitable for his developmental level. | | | | - Do not allow him to play near flower beds or |
| Select ride on toys that provide your child with a | | | | wooded areas that may house snakes, spiders, and |
| good fit and make sure he is capable of operating | | | | other harmful species. |
| the toy in the correct way. Most ride on toys are | | | | - During hot weather, dress your little one in light |
| propelled with foot to floor movement and are | | | | colors and lightweight attire to minimize overheating. |
| typically low to the ground, making them ideal toys | | | | - Never dress your child in loose, baggy clothing or |
| for toddlers. | | | | clothing with dangling ties or accessories to play with |
| Stability | | | | his ride on toys or other active equipment that could |
| Children love to experiment so don't be surprised to | | | | catch and cause injury. |
| see your little one ride around backwards, or even | | | | Traditional toys like ride on toys are one of the |
| sideways, on her ride on toys. This natural curiosity | | | | safest choices for playtime, but there are still several |
| creates a need for a toy that is quite stable and | | | | concerns you should be aware of. These guidelines, |
| doesn't tip regardless of where the weight is located. | | | | along with the manufacturer's recommended |
| Check several points of the toy to ensure it is | | | | operation, will ensure a safe and happy playtime full |
| completely steady. | | | | of learning opportunities. |
| Designate a Safe Play Area | | | | |