A visit to the playground is more than fun. It lets kids exercise their bodies, brains and social skills. It also gives them a chance for unstructured, free play that's important for healthy development.
Parents and families should still exercise caution at playgrounds. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children for playground-related injuries each year.
There are several things to keep in mind when taking children to a playground:
Scope out the equipment
Choose a playground with equipment that is geared toward your child's age, matched with their abilities, developmental level and size.
Most playground injuries happen when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground, so make sure the surface underneath it can help absorb and soften the impact.
People are also reading... Mother of Abundant Life school shooter dies of apparent suicide UW-Madison violated alumna's free speech, appeals court says Underground fire paralyzes Downtown Madison, leaves hundreds without power Why you're not hearing much from the Madison Public Market Record rain fuels flooding in Milwaukee; Madison's totals significant, too Human remains found in Dane County manure pit Missing former Wisconsin journalist found alive in Norway, reports say Here's how much rain Madison and Milwaukee got over the weekend Fewer breweries will be at Taste of the Midwest in Madison Developer plans more than 200 apartments on old Oscar Mayer parking lot Madison car wash will be chain's first Wisconsin location This year's Ride the Drive is canceled Work resumes on Old Sauk Road apartment project fought by neighbors Homeless housing provider plans new development on East Side Verona man who died in Fitchburg motorcycle crash identified
Steer clear of hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Though grass may look soft, it is not a shock-absorbing surface. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a thick layer of various materials, extending at least 6 feet in all directions, underneath play equipment. This list includes wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel that is 12 or more inches deep or mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like material.
Check for sharp points or edges. For wooden structures, check for nails or screws sticking out. Metal structures should not have rust or peeling paint, which could contain lead.
Look up
Kids love to climb. It helps build strength, coordination and depth perception while letting them see their surroundings on a different level.
Heights can become a potential hazard for children on playgrounds. To ensure safety, check to make sure playground equipment is an appropriate height, with guardrails if necessary. In addition, vertical and horizontal spaces, like those between the ropes of cargo nets, should be less than 3½ inches wide or more than 9 inches wide. This is to keep a small child's head from getting trapped while preventing them from falling through easily.
Safety on slides
Slides are a playground staple. Straight, wavy or twisty, they give kids a gentle, confidence-building thrill.
However, metal slides can get very hot from the sun and seriously burn a child's hands and legs. Plastic slides can get very hot, too. On hot, sunny days, look for playgrounds where slides and other surfaces are shaded.
Slides should have a platform with rails at the top for children to hold. There should be a guardrail, hood or other structure at the top so that the child must sit before going down the slide.
Make sure there is no debris or other children at the base of a slide. The cleared area in front of the slide should extend a distance equal to the height of the slide platform.
Teach your child to go down the slide feet first to avoid head injuries, and to make sure anyone in front of them is all the way down before they go.
Don't go down the slide with children on your lap. Research shows children's legs often get caught and injured on the way down.
Swinging with ease
Swinging is shown to calm kids, build sensory skills and even help them better cooperate with other children.
To avoid injuries, make sure the cleared distance in front of and behind a swing, and the shock-absorbing surface beneath it, is twice the height of the suspending bar.
Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas and securely and deeply anchored to prevent tipping. Swings should have at least 24 inches between swings and no more than than two seat swings (or one tire swing) in the same section of the structure.
Children also should be discouraged from swinging on their tummies or jumping off. Teach them not to run in front of swings while other children use them.
Other considerations
Don't let your child wear or play with anything that could get caught on equipment and become a strangulation hazard. Avoid sweatshirts with drawstrings or necklaces, for example, and keep jump ropes and pet leashes away from equipment. If your child rides a bike or scooter to the playground, they should take off their helmet while playing.
Even on safe, age-appropriate playgrounds, adult guidance and supervision is the best way to prevent injuries. So, as your child climbs, slides, swings and glides, keep an eye on the action and be ready to step in if they are using the equipment incorrectly.
Dr. Julie Gilchrist is a pediatrician and researcher who serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention.
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.