By the Toy Industry Association

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing 550 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe play. Safe and fun play is the number one priority of the toy industry. For more information, visit ToyAssociation.org and www.ToyInfo.org.

Summer is 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.

To help assure that every play date is a safe one, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) offers parents the following five toy-related tips for a safe, active and fun summer:

1. 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.

2. 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 aren't tempted to play in or near the water alone. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has published a complete set of tips and information to help keep kids safe in and near the pool.

3. Buckle children up with helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear when playing with ride-on toys.
Most parents are aware that protective gear (helmets, knee pads and arm pads) is crucial when riding a bicycle, but buckling up and protective gear are equally important for other ride-on toys, including tricycles, scooters, skateboards, and skates.

4. 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 re-apply 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.

5. 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 to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

For additional information on safe play and tips on toy selection, visit www.ToyInfo.org.

Published: June 26, 2012