The warm days of summer are officially here and kids of all ages are hitting beaches, parks and backyards to enjoy the outdoor play that makes the season so much fun. From gardening and building sets to sidewalk chalk and scooters, and from bubbles and water blasters to bicycles and skateboards, a broad range of outdoor toys will help to entertain the young and the young at heart.
Summer is the perfect time for parents and kids to pick their toys for the season and get ready to enjoy more outdoor play, exercise, and a healthy, relaxed lifestyle. But to help assure that every play date is a safe one, TIA offers parents the following toy-related tips for a safe, active and fun summer:
- Pay close attention to the age appropriate guidelines on toy product packaging. Age labeling is a safety precaution and is based on children's developmental skills and ability at a given age-- and the appropriateness of the toy for that age. Age labeling does not pertain to the intelligence of a child so you never want to select toys marked with an age older than the child's age.
- Make adult supervision a crucial element of outdoor play. Children are quick and inquisitive. They should never be left alone near water sources (pools, inflatable kiddie pools, beaches, etc.) ... not even for a moment. Water toys should be kept out of sight or out of reach when not being used so children are not tempted to play in or near the water alone. NOTE: The Safe Kids USA website (www.usasafekids.org) features more water safety tips.
- Buckle children up with helmets, knee pads and other protective gear when playing with ride-on toys. Buckling up is equally important for other ride-on toys, including tricycles, scooters, skateboards and skates. Visit the CPSC website for tips on how to make sure helmets fit properly and comfortably so that kids will not take them off.
- Keep young bodies protected from the sun and heat. Outdoor play areas should be covered to protect sensitive children’s skin from the sun’s intense rays. Children should wear hats, 100% UVA sunglasses, and a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB Protection) when playing outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all children — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply every two hours or after prolonged contact with water. Studies show that children do not always experience thirst before dehydration, so it is important that they drink plenty of fluids during and after play, even when they do not feel thirsty.
- Organize and store toys to prevent slips, trips and falls. Large, plastic bins with lids are perfect for organizing and storing smaller toys; bins should be marked by name so that toys for children of differing ages can be easily separated. An outdoor shed should be set up with designated “parking” spaces near the door for bicycles and other ride-on toys; smaller items like skateboards and skates should be hung off ground-level or stored on shelves.
For additional information on safe play and tips on toy selection, visit www.toyinfo.org.