Picking the Best Outdoor Toys
1-3years old
During this time, toddlers should be exposed to new toys which they can actually play with. At this time, they get excited about being able to stay out of their cribs and pick up toys for real. The primary concern for parents is that the child will be placing things in their mouths, so it is advisable to stay away from small outdoor toys. Pick toys which have no small parts and are bigger than your child’s hands. Toys appropriate for this age are balls, hoops, sand box toys such as trucks, buckets and shovels. You may also buy inflatable pools rather than letting your child swim in a big pool.
3-5 years old
Preschoolers enjoy more choices for their toys, which means they can have more fun at this age. You can now allow them to play with smaller toys but with strict supervision. At this stage, your child will at least have an idea on safety and how to handle toys. Ideal toys would be building blocks, modeling clay, trolleys, cars which they can ride, and bicycles with training wheels. Your child can enjoy these toys but with you guiding them. While riding in toy cars and bicycles, you need to be pushing them and do not let go. Just let them feel how it’s like to ride these new and exciting things. Remember to buy them helmets and knee pads to protect them from falling. When swimming, there are pools specially made for children this age which are shallow. Remember to buy them floaters to keep them safe.
5-9 years old
Children at this age should be exposed to more complicated toys. They may have developed skills and interests at this time which can help you in selecting toys for them. During this stage, your child is rapidly learning so the toys you must select should help them in their learning process. Sporty toys like rackets and bats for kids and basketball sets are readily available and can help build your child’s interest in sports. These can develop muscle strength as well as hand-eye coordination. Your child can upgrade from training wheels to a two-wheel bikes. They may also ride truck, cars and other rides provided that they are still wearing protective gear.
9 years old and above
Your child might feel that he can enjoy a lot of outdoor toys since he is already grown up. At this time, your child will have started to a particular interest like biking, sports, rollerblading or skateboarding. Allow them to play with the equipment that come with these and remind them to wear protective gear.
If you are unsure of the toys you are giving your child, there are age recommendations which can be found on the boxes of these toys. You may be guided accordingly, but it is still up to you to decide if these are safe for your child.
