Playground Safety for Babies
Looking for a great activity for you and your baby? One of the best places to go is the playground. It's fun, it's free, and you'll run into some other adults, which can be a nice change when you've been home alone with a baby. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while at the playground.
Top Safety Tips
- Once your baby has good head and neck control and can sit up without support (usually around 9 months old), give the infant bucket seats a try.
- For babies who are learning to crawl or walk, the play area should have a smooth surface that is free of debris.
Playground Safety for Little Kids
The playground is a great escape for kids and adults (we recommend a big game of monster tag). This is also the age where kids can really start to enjoy most of the equipment. While not all playgrounds are designed with toddlers in mind, there is always something you can do to keep your little kids safe.
Top Safety Tips
- Actively supervise children on playgrounds. It won’t be hard – they’ll probably be calling for you to watch them climb, jump and swing.
- Teach kids that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous. Be tough now and you won't have to worry about it later (easier said than done, we know).
- Check playgrounds where your children play. Look for age-appropriate equipment and hazards, such as rusted or broken equipment or dangerous surfaces. Report any hazards to the school or appropriate local office.
- Little kids can play differently than big kids. It is important to have a separate play area for children under 5.
- Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes.
Playground Safety for Big Kids
As they get older, many kids become more adventurous on the playground. They try new tricks and games, and take more chances. Follow these tips to create a safer day at the park.
Top Safety Tips
- Check playgrounds where your children play. Look for age-appropriate equipment and hazards, such as rusted or broken equipment or dangerous surfaces. Report any hazards to the school or appropriate local office.
- Avoid playgrounds with non-impact absorbing surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, grass, dirt or gravel.
- Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes.
- Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.
- Ensure that children use age-appropriate playground equipment.
General Playground Safety
With active supervision and some basic safety tips, every day at the playground can be a walk in the park.
The Hard Facts
Falls are the most common type of playground injury, accounting for more than 75 percent of all playground-related injuries. Lack of or improper supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries.
Top Tips
- Actively supervise children on playgrounds. It won’t be hard – they’ll probably be calling for you to watch them climb, jump and swing.
- Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch. If your child falls, the landing will be more cushioned that on asphalt, concrete, wood or dirt.
- Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on the playground, so save those for bikes.
- Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.
