July 06, 2004

By: April Mah
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

Toy Industry Association Releases Summer Toy and Play Safety Tips

Sandboxes, squirt guns, bikes and kites…these images of summer mean more hours of sunlight and school vacation. With thousands of innovative summer toys on store shelves, summer months present more playtime than other seasons, necessitating a heightened awareness by caregivers for child safety

Parents must engage children in a special conversation about toy safety and be involved in their children's summertime play. With parents keeping safety at the top of their minds, children will be able to enjoy the great outdoors all summer long, explains Heather Paul, TIA's Toy Safety Advocate.

Paul says that although summer is the perfect opportunity for kids to 'run free', fly kites, cool off with the latest water toys and ride bikes, scooters and skateboards there are precautions to be taken. Parents should be aware of the increased risks that may occur during the time of year when more unsupervised play happens.

She advises parents to set aside a quiet time to review summer safety tips. These include instructions on where to play; what to wear to protect oneself against serious injury such as helmets, reflective clothing, kneepads, elbow pads and a horn or bell; how to handle motor ride-on toys; and also the dangers of roughhousing or rough play.

Posting a copy of TIA’s kid-friendly Summer Toy and Play Safety Tip Sheet on the fridge can also help enforce a few simple, but effective rules during this special time of year.

Parents can download a free Summer Toy and Play Safety Tip Sheet and obtain other important information on how to protect their children from summer injuries, including:

* Toy safety quiz for parents to test their toy safety savvy.

* Links to regulatory agencies

* Downloadable brochures including Fun Play Safe Play and Let’s Play: A Guide to Toys for Children With Special Needs.

* An opportunity to email toy safety questions and success stories at toysafety@toy-tia.org.

Parents may also order a copy of Fun Play Safe Play and Let’s Play: A Guide to Toys for Children With Special Needs, online or via mail, by writing to TIA, 1115 Broadway, Suite 400, NY, NY 10010, to request brochures.

About The Author:

April Mah is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.