Playing It Safe at the Playground

As the school year wraps up for many in our area, more and more children and families are spending time at local playgrounds. While playgrounds are meant to be safe places for kids to play while developing their physical abilities and confidence, they’re not without risks. According to the National Safety Council, playground injuries send more than 200,000 American children to the emergency room each year. Tragically, about 15 of those accidents turn fatal each year.

But that doesn’t mean you should skip the playground; it just means you and your children need to play smart.

Here are a few pointers to make sure your day of fun ends with a sense of accomplishment rather than in tears.

Always actively supervise kids  

Supervision is essential for children of all ages. That means you need to put away your cell phone and give your attention to your child as they play. Be sure to teach your children that pushing, shoving, and crowding here—or anywhere—is not okay. Be mindful that little kids play differently than big kids. As much as your little one may want to play-up with the big kids, keeping them with their age-peers will ultimately be safer and more enjoyable for all.

If this is your child’s first visit to a playground, spend a few minutes walking around and exploring the area before diving into play. Make sure to point out safe pathways to use—especially around swings—and note which equipment they can use.

Choose age-appropriate activities and equipment

Not every piece of playground apparatus is designed for all ages. Choose age-appropriate equipment that minimizes the risk of dangerous falls and injuries.

If your baby can sit up and has good head control (typically around 5-6 months), they can be placed in a bucket-style infant swing. Depending upon your child’s development, they can transition to a regular swing anywhere between 1 to 4 years of age.

Because slides require good balance and body control, they’re not recommended for children less than 18 months (yes, even the little slides). Teach your child to go down the slide feet first to avoid head injuries, and to make sure anyone in front of them are clear of the bottom before they take their turn.

The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) notes that many playground injuries, especially leg fractures, are caused when an adult holds a child on their lap going down the slide. For that reason, we discourage holding children on your lap when going down the slide. In addition, the organization advises that twisty slides should be reserved for children 5 years of age or older.

Perform temperature checks

Because any hard surface exposed to the sun all day can get hot enough to cause serious burns, it’s important to always lightly touch play equipment to make sure it’s cool enough for your child to play on.

Dress for Safety

When dressing for the playground, choose clothing without drawstrings or other features that can get caught in equipment. Bike helmets, scarves, backpacks, and jewelry should be removed when playing on the playground.

Limit sun exposure and stay hydrated

Always apply sunscreen before heading out to the playground and reapply every 2 hours and, when possible, limit playtime at peak sun exposure time (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Look for seating areas in the shade and encourage kids to take breaks and to drink plenty of water when resting. 

Meghan Gunn, MD, FAAP is the Medical Director of SVMC Pediatrics.