Outdoor toys are a fun way to encourage your children to enjoy the outdoors and engage in outdoor play. Generally, these toys promote early learning and development in many ways. Playing with these toys motivates children to move and become mobile. They can run around with their toys, explore nature with their adventure kits or engage in pretend play in their outdoor playhouse.
With so many outdoor toys available on the market, it might be a bit difficult to find the right one for creative play. We made a list of some of the things to look out for and consider when buying an outdoor toy for your child. Hopefully this short concise guide helps you with toy shopping.
Safety
Whenever you’re buying toys, be it an outdoor toy or any kind of toy, the first thing at the top of your list is the safety of your child. It’s important to read product descriptions and warnings carefully. If the toy is not suitable for your child’s age, don’t proceed with your purchase and look for something that is more appropriate for your little one.
If you’re a busy parent, it’s highly recommended to choose outdoor toys that are easy to clean. Keep in mind that these toys are meant to be played outside of the house and they’re most likely to get dirty and grimy so it’s extremely important to wash them after every play session.
Materials
We highly recommend choosing outdoor toys that are made from sustainable materials like wood. Wood is eco-friendly and known for its natural antibacterial properties. Most wooden outdoor toys also look good and they can double as nursery or playroom decorations.
Plastic outdoor toys for one year old are widely available. It’s the go to toys for busy parents because most of them are dishwasher-safe which is the most convenient way to clean toys. However, these toys may contain toxic substances and chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). Both of these substances are considered hormone disruptors because they interfere with the body’s normal hormone balance.
The materials of the toy also affects its durability. Make sure to choose toys that can withstand rough play. You can produce descriptions as well as reviews from other parents. In doing so, you will have an insight on what to expect and what to look out for.
Space
You should consider the amount of backyard space you have at home. You wouldn’t want to buy toys that take too much space that your play yard ends up looking crowded. Buy big outdoor toys that still leave enough space for your little one to run around.
Educational Value
It’s always a good idea to buy the best outdoor toys for 6 year olds that bring both educational and entertainment value. Stay away from toys that only add novelty and nothing else. Children love to play and it’s a perfect opportunity for them to learn and develop essential skills.
Your Child’s Interests
When buying outdoor toys, or any toy for that matter, it’s important to consider what your child really wants. You definitely don’t want to end up buying a toy that your child won’t play. Talk to your little one or join him in one of his play sessions to find out his likes and dislikes.
For example, if your one-year old loves helping you in the garden, you can buy them garden safe garden toys for 1 year old.
Budget
Outdoor toys are popular so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that fits your budget. But if you want to avoid unnecessary spending or if you want to trim down your list, you can set a budget range which makes buying these toys much easier.
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