Toddlers love to play outdoors. Outdoor play is their number one source of fun and entertainment. Hence, it is imperative for parents to choose their children’s outdoor toys wisely. Here is a safety guide to help you select safe outdoor toddler toys for your toddler.

Check Recalled Toys

A lot of outdoor toys have been recalled in the United States, so before going shopping, make sure you are well aware which toys are safe and unsafe for your toddler. Recalled toys contain chemicals, high levels of lead and other toxin materials that jeopardize children’s health. Visit the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website to monitor the list of recalled toys in the United States.

Always Follow The Recommended Age Range

Not all outdoor toys are child-friendly. When looking for an outdoor toddler toy, make sure you follow the guidelines. Think whether your little one can handle the toy or if the toy is too advanced for your toddler’s current age. Since toddlers like to tinker with objects, they are more susceptible to accidents. Ensure your toddler’s safety by being cautious. Check the labels, manuals and ask for assistance. In this way, even if your toddler drops an age appropriate toy, the possibility of getting injured is reduced.

Make A Thorough Inspection

A damaged toy puts your toddler at risk. Before buying, check outdoor toys for cracked pieces, pointed edges and splinters. Your toddler can choke or eat the small pieces that break off from these large toys. Stick to buying outdoor toddler toys that are compact, sturdy and lightweight. It is a must to inspect the construction of the toys as well. A poorly constructed toy may easily fall apart with a little nudge or your toddler may remove the buttons and screws with just a few turns.

Go For Durable Toys

Toddlers are naturally aggressive and they love to build and re-build things with their own hands especially their toys. Resilience is particularly important for outdoor toys since a lot of climbing, jumping, flipping and dropping will take place so see to it his outdoor toys can endure such activities. If you are buying a sandbox, make sure it can be covered when it is not used to eliminate choking hazards especially if your toddler goes out unattended. For a children’s slide, it must be made of strong plastic to ensure sturdiness. Refrain from buying steel slides as it can only injure your toddler in case he accidentally bangs his head.

Test out The Toys’ Foundation

Expect your toddler to climb in and out of his play set so make sure his outdoor toys are constructed with a solid base. Test it out by doing a little sitting, nudging and shaking so you can see whether or not the play set easily tumbles and collapses onto the ground. Moreover, it is recommended to get outdoor toys that can withstand physical activities (sliding, climbing, etc.).

Prioritize Quality Over Price

A cheaply priced outdoor toy may fit well into your budget but may threaten your precious one’s welfare. Purchase outdoor toddler toys that have superior quality, never mind the price tag. After all, your toddler’s well-being is more priceless than anything in this world. Plus, a quality outdoor toy can last for generations, giving you value for your money.

Play is an essential part in a toddler’s development. It is where they learn how to make friends, share, take turns and enhance their skills. Generally, toddlers have a very curious personality. They love discovering the world around them. Plus, they love to play outside. Outdoor play allows them to be active, use all of their senses and imagination. From water toys, sand box to swings and sports toys, boundless of outdoor toys await your toddler.

Outdoor toddler toys keep your little one busy for hours. It also encourages him to build healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Buying quality outdoor toys can be an investment that will give years of enjoyment not only for your toddler but for the entire family as well.

Must-Have Outdoor Toddler Toys

The best outdoor toys are fun, educative and exciting. Here are some examples of outdoor toddler toys your little one will surely love:

Sandbox

The sandbox is an all-time favorite outdoor toy of most toddlers. This outdoor toy is suitable for many ages and can be used by a group of toddlers at the same time. A sandbox with a lid will help keep the sand clean and ready to use. Stock the sandbox with colorful accessories, like starfish or crab plastic toys. A plastic sand bucket set will truly give your toddler a good time. He can build, dig, mold, rake and shovel using adorable tiny tools.

Folding Slide

Your toddler is still too small to play with big slides. Get him a mini slide that is foldable and made from plastic. It gives the perfect opportunity for your toddler to exercise his sliding. Plus, he gets to practice how to walk, climb a ladder and sit down which are essential for boosting his motor skills. Most toddler slides these days come with rounded steps for easy climbing and high sideways that prevents him from falling.

Ride On Bikes and Cars

Your toddler will surely have the time of his life with ride on bikes and cars. This makes him feel like a grown-up since he gets to drive on his own. These toys allow him to do a simple tour around your backyard or pathway. They even have key-activated engine sounds with music, lights and sounds making playtime more exciting. Plus, it also enhances his coordination skills.

Pretend Tools

Pretend tools are great outdoor toys that allow him to unleash his creative side. Get your toddler a mini tool bench where he can pretend to repair or create objects resulting to an imaginative pretend play. This outdoor toy serves as the perfect opportunity for him to develop his fine motor and motor skills.

Play Tent

Your toddler’s inquisitiveness will be truly satisfied once you get him a play tent. Now, he can feel like he is a professional wildlife explorer. A play tent is very easy to assemble and made from top-notch materials that can withstand rain and strong wind. It has a water-proof floor as well making it a very safe and sturdy outdoor toy.

Playhouse

Toddlers love playhouse toys because they can easily go inside and outside. Some playhouse toys have features like a gas or work station. It even has a rear sports wall that includes a small basketball ring. There are a lot of designs your toddler can choose from – a town center playhouse, secret garden cottage or a castle playhouse.

When it comes to shopping for your toddler’s outdoor toys, weigh your options first. Consider his interests and choose toys that are age-appropriate. Look for toys that provide quality and function to ensure that they can withstand all elements and can satisfy his tastes.