How to Make Children’s Outdoor Play Equipment Kid-Safe

Children’s outdoor play equipment is a favorite for kids and parents. Parents like it because it keeps kids active and off their devices. Children love exploring the various components that make playtime an adventure.

However, safety is a concern. Children may injure themselves when playing outdoors. Tall equipment and hard surfaces could be a recipe for disaster! But with the right precautions, you can keep your children safe.

What Makes a Playground Safe?

The National Program for Playground Safety is dedicated to researching children’s playground safety. They devised an acronym that identifies the four main components of safety as follows:

• Supervision
• Age-Appropriate Design
• Fall surface cushioning
• Equipment safety

What Can I Do to Make My Children’s Outdoor Play Equipment Safe?

So how can you put S.A.F.E into action? Here are some tips.

• Install Fall Surface Cushioning: Experts recommend adding protective surfacing at least 12 inches thick and 6 feet in all directions from the play equipment. Surfacing around swings should extend in all directions and be twice the height of the suspending bar. Wood chips, sand, pea gravel, mulch, and safety-tested rubber mats offer the ideal surface protection.
• Ensure Structures are Well Spaced: When installing multiple structures, ensure they are well-spaced. Structures more than 30 inches high should be at least nine feet apart.
• Check for Sharp Points: Inspect your equipment for sharp points and edges and dangerous hardware. Repair equipment accordingly.
• Look for Tripping Hazards: Ensure there are no tripping hazards near the play area such as tree stumps and large rocks.
• Maintain Equipment: Check the equipment regularly looking for signs of hazards that may pose an injury risk.
• Install Guardrails: Guardrails should be installed around elevated surfaces like platforms and ramps.
• Use Age-Appropriate Equipment: Ensure children play on equipment rated for their age group. You may also provide separate play areas for different age groups.

Other Ways to Keep Kids Safe on Play Areas

Ensuring equipment is safe is only part of the solution. Parents and supervisors must ensure kids act appropriately during outdoor playtime to keep themselves and others safe. Here are some helpful tips.

• Supervise Children on Play Equipment: Young children should be supervised during outdoor play to ensure they don’t run off and act appropriately.
• Discourage Pushing and Shoving: This type of activity can endanger others.
• Encourage Appropriate Dress: Necklaces, purses, scarves, and jewelry can get caught on play equipment posing a falling or choking hazard. Children should dress with playground safety in mind.

Buy Safe Equipment at Little Tacker Toys

Safety starts with safe play equipment. Little Tacker Toys offers equipment you can count on. Our items are well-constructed and in line with standards and regulations.

We offer a wide selection of outdoor play equipment including swings, trampolines, play sets, and electric cars. Our company backs our products with a high level of customer service. We want to make your children’s recreation fun and safe.

Contact us to learn more about what we have in stock.