Summer is just around the corner!!! It's high time to have some fun in the sun. Many children enjoy outdoor toys such as swings, slides or as they provide good fun and keep them healthy and fit. Thanks to outdoor toys kids will get some fresh air and exercise. Once baby starts walking parents will need to think about all the different ways to encourage their offspring to participate and use their new skills in a physical environment. However, there are few Health and Safety issues that one need to think about when choosing outdoor toys such as as



Certain hardwoods may irritate sensitive skin and manufactured boards such as plywood may become swollen when left outside in the rain. What is more, some of these manufactured boards may be glued together with dangerous adhesives. Therefore, it is crucial to check all toys before purchasing them. Therefore, before the purchase check:

• If applied finishes such as paints are non-toxic and lead free.

•If they are resistant to water and generally weather proof when used outside.

•If they have safe edges

•If they can be closed so that animals are not able to access them.

•If they are manufactured in EU

The safety laws in Europe are very demanding. A toy sold throughout Europe must comply with the strict safety laws. Therefore, parents need to check

•If all toys conform to the 'Toys Safety Directive' 88/378/EEC and carry a CE mark.

•If the company selling wooden toys has been given a mark of responsible forestry (FSC).

•If they have strudy construction.

Furthermore, any large toy, such as swings, slides must be stable when used. Therefore, parents need to check

If those toys have a low centre of gravity preventing them from falling over and if swings can be fixed to the ground very well. Check this which meet all those requirements.