Kids love to play in the sand. If your kids have a sandbox to play in, it’s up to you to make sure that sand stays clean and sanitary for them. You should never use sand in a children’s sandbox that’s not labeled “play sand,” and the package should also say that it’s been sterilized. However, even if you buy the right kind of sand, you will still need to clean it periodically. Otherwise, your children could be playing in contaminated sand.
Look through the sand for any food products. You should never let your children eat when playing in the sand, but should the occasional drop make its way into the sandbox, it will attract birds and other small animals that can contaminate the sand.
Start with new sand each season. When winter comes and your kids are no longer playing in the sand, empty the box and cover it for the season. In the spring when your kids want to go outside to play in the sandbox, add brand new sand. Remember, you should use sand that's labeled sterilized "play sand."