Playgrounds or backyard swing sets are wonderful for preschoolers. Not only can they help develop gross and fine motor skills, they can also increase your little one's social and emotional development as they interact with other children and learn what their bodies are capable of. And of course, they are fun too. But with any physical play, it is important that you take steps to make sure your child is safe. Here's what to look for when it comes to playground safety.
Make Sure Surfaces are Safe
The right type of playground surface, whether it be mulch, rubber mats, sand or pea gravel, can protect your child from a fall. Loose-fill or synthetic surface materials are those that come the most highly recommended by playground designers. Guidelines set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggest that whatever surface is on a playground should be at least 12 inches deep.
Surfaces to avoid include rocks, concrete, packed dirt, blacktop and asphalt.
How High Is It?
Tall slides provide a thrill, bridges are lots of fun to run on and who can beat the feeling of swinging high in the air? It's important, however, to make sure your child isn't too high up. A preschooler shouldn't be more than four feet off of the ground, due to the risk of a fall. According to the National Program for Playground Safety, more than 70% of all playground injuries come from falls, and affect the face or head and arms.
Is the Equipment Age-Appropriate?
The best playgrounds are divided by age -- ideally 2-5 and 5 and up. No matter what type of playground you visit though, make sure the equipment is age- and size-appropriate. Handles should be smaller and bridges and platforms should be low and have guardrails and handrails. Slides should be on the short side (under four feet) and the stairs should have a gradual (not steep) incline.
The NPPS suggests playgrounds for preschoolers have: areas to crawl; low platforms with multiple access such as ramps and ladders; ramps with pieces attached for grasping; low tables for sand, water and manipulation of materials; tricycle paths with various textures; flexible spring rockers; sand areas with covers; and shorter slides.
Is the Equipment Safe?
Make sure all equipment is securely anchored to the ground. Hooks for swings should be closed and keep an eye out for sharp edges -- nails, bolts and corners -- that can scratch your child's skin. Make sure there is plenty of space in front of and behind the swings (and teach your child to never walk directly in front of or behind a swing) as well as the bottom of the slide -- you don't want your little one to crash into anyone or be hit by someone coming down. If there is a see-saw it should be spring-centered, meaning it won't knock your child off if the other child gets off unexpectedly.
Pay Attention
It's tempting to let your kids run off on their own once you hit the playground, but preschool-age kids still need to be supervised. You don't necessarily need to be sliding down the slide with your child, but be close at hand in case he has trouble with some of the equipment or winds up getting hurt. You also want to make sure your little one doesn't wander off to another part of the park or worse, the parking lot or a nearby street.
Never leave your child alone at a playground, even for a minute. Not only can she get hurt without you being present, but the risk for abduction increases dramatically.
Playground Safety Means Using Common Sense Caution
If it's a hot day, make sure your child has plenty of water to drink. Be sure to touch all the surfaces of the playground before your child starts to play to make sure they are cool enough for your child's skin.
Make sure your preschooler is wearing appropriate clothing -- no drawstrings which can cause strangulation -- and sneakers.
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