It’s a fact of life: When kids play outside, accidents are going to happen. It’s tough to imagine leading an active childhood and not coming away with your share of bumps, scrapes or even broken bones.
Still, that doesn’t mean we have to accept unsafe conditions for our kids. Playgrounds can be a great place for them to explore and connect, but only if they’re safe places.
Here are a few playground safety tips from the child safety organization Safe Kids Worldwide to help keep your child free from harm.
Supervise Kids On Playground Equipment
Keep an eye on your kids. As Safe Kids notes, this won’t be hard. They’ll probably be calling out for you to watch them on the swing set or the monkey bars.
Look out for hazards, whether it’s rusty or broken equipment or dangerous surfaces, and report anything you find to the school or your community’s parks/public works department.
Teach your kids and your friends that it’s dangerous to push or shove while on the playground.
Make sure your children dress appropriately. Off-limit items include necklaces, purses, scarves or anything with a drawstring. These can get caught on equipment and pose a choking hazard.
“Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes,” Safe Kids writes.
Choose A Play Area Based On The Child’s Age
Younger children play differently than older children, so try to find a playground with a separate play area for kids under 5. You should make sure that kids are using age-appropriate equipment.
If you have a baby who is just learning to walk, be sure the play area has a smooth and easy surface on which to walk.
If your baby can sit up with some support and has good head control – typically at nine months – let them take a ride on the bucket-shaped baby swings.
Make Sure There’s A Safe Surface Under And Around The Playground Equipment
Try to avoid playgrounds that have non-impact absorbing surfaces like asphalt, dirt, concrete or gravel. Instead, seek out playgrounds that use sand, pea gravel, wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber. Rubber mats, synthetic turf, and other artificial materials are safe as well and require less care.
This surfacing should be at least 12 inches deep and extend at least six feet in all directions around the swing set and other playground equipment. It may need to stretch beyond six feet depending on the height of the equipment.
For example, let’s say you have a swing set that’s 10 feet high. The surfacing would need to surround the swing set for 20 feet.
Are The Playgrounds Maintained And Inspected By Qualified Staff?
Check with your school or town’s public works department to make sure the playground has equipment that is well-maintained and age appropriate.
If you find any playground hazards, be sure to report them to the appropriate organization and keep your children away until you know the equipment is safe.
Swingset & Toy Warehouse wants kids to have fun, but also to be safe. When we launched our new blog earlier this year, one of the first posts dealt with safe backyard play. We’ve also touched on trampoline safety in our new Parent’s Guide to Trampolines.
As we said at the top, it’s tough to imagine getting through childhood without getting hurt. But if you do your homework, taking steps to keep your kids safe on the playground can be child’s play.
