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