As spring finally sets in, you’ve likely been eager to let your toddler run off some energy outdoors.Take a few moments to address your backyard to neighborhood playground for safety first. Taking these steps can help ensure safe play:
- Ensure that playground equipment is age-appropriate and properly maintained. Look for adequate surfacing under equipment and loose or broken screws on equipment itself.
- Check play sets for sharp edges.
- Make sure there is adequate cushioning or a mulch bed one-foot think around the base of the play set to soften your toddler’s landings.
- Remove any potential hazards, such as firewood, that you may have stored in the backyard during the winter.
- Lock exit gates if your backyard in fenced and secure doors to sheds and garages.
- Remove hood and neck drawstrings from all children’s outerwear. Never allow children to wear helmets, necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings while on playgrounds.
- Teach children proper playground behavior: no pushing, shoving or crowding.
- ALWAYS Actively supervise children on playgrounds.
