Anyone who has ever walked through a preschool yard during recess knows that most young kids love loud, active play. Small daredevils pilot kiddie cars and trikes through tot-sized demolition derbys; junior little-leaguers zip balls back and forth; budding contractors build cities and freeways, while pint-sized cooks stir up sandbox cuisine.

Such play usually involves toys. Fortunately, today's children's products are often designed and tested to meet industry and sometimes government safety standards.

These standards generally ensure that an item won't present a hazard—if it's used appropriately. Of course, children have a way of stretching a toy's use to brave new dimensions.

Before purchase, give all outdoor gear a careful inspection to be sure that it will hold up to years of hard use. Choose quality equipment suitable for your child's age and skill level.

Stay away from breakable plastics. It's better to buy a few items of good, durable design than to buy many of cheaper construction.

Also basic to play yard safety, whether at home, at a park, or at preschool, are a few rules. Even very young kids catch on quickly if taught simple rules in a friendly spirit.

• Don't throw—or try to eat—sand, wood chips, toys, pebbles, or other play yard materials.

• Use equipment as it is meant to be used. When a crowd of kids plays together, this rule has to be enforced even more stringently.

• Watch out for yourself and others. Being hit by a swing is one of the biggest causes of playground injury; all kids need to watch out where they and others walk. Falling from a climber or slide ladder is another common accident. Teach kids to wait their turns and not to push others.

TIP: Try to avoid buying a metal slide because it can absorb enough heat to burn a small child; if you already have one, place it in the shade.

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