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.