Share Our Safety Tips for Outdoor Play

April 17, 2017 | Spring’s warmer weather gives kids more opportunities to get outside and play. It’s also the perfect time of year to remind parents and caregivers of some simple precautions they can take to make sure outdoor play is both fun and safe.

“Protecting kids at play is our number one priority, and key to that effort is educating families about toy and play safety,” says Joan Lawrence, the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs.

TIA has created a “Safety Tips for Outdoor Play” infographic that toy companies, retailers, and others can share with their social media followers and in-store shoppers. The infographic includes tips for wearing appropriate safety gear when using bikes, trikes, and other ride-ons; how to ensure safe play near roads, driveways, and bodies of water; and tips for proper toy storage to prevent trips and falls.

The Association has also been sharing outdoor safety tips with broadcast viewers across the nation. Last week, Lawrence was on Fox 61 in Hartford, CT to share tips for choosing age-appropriate toys and enjoying safe play this spring. Earlier this month, she was on WBAL-NBC in Baltimore to give viewers the scoop on safe outdoor play.

“At the first signs of spring, kids are anxious to get outside, explore, and burn off excess energy, which is great!” says Lawrence. “But because kids are inquisitive and fast, active adult supervision during outdoor play is especially crucial. We encourage our members to share our safety tips with consumers. Working together, we can make sure kids are having fun and staying safe all year long.”

For evergreen safety tips, visit TIA’s PlaySafe.org website for families or check out the “Have Fun, Play Safe” infographic, which includes advice about small parts, baby-proofing, and safe shopping.