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Parent24 : Toddler 1-2 : development behaviour : Danger in the playground

Danger in the playground

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At playschool or the park, keep your toddler safe.

Hilda Geyer

Pic: Shutterstock

Article originally in Parent24

Your playing toddler is pushing the limits and needs 100% supervision by an adult. Try to guide your toddler not to run too far or climb too high, but without limiting him so much he can’t grow his skills. Guide him which limits are safe and be at hand. But don’t keep saying: “Careful”, “Watch out”, “Don’t!” That way when you do, he will know you really mean it.

Potential playground hazards

Hard surfaces under and around equipment.

Areas that can trap a toddler’s head. Small bodies can fall or crawl through very small openings.
Moving parts and also missing or loose parts. Check for worn and loose parts where fingers, arms, or legs could be inserted.
Excessive heights or heights without protective barriers.
Equipment that is not properly anchored and stable. Equipment should preferably be fixed to the ground in concrete and bolts.
Rotting wood or rusting metal.
Metal slides or decks exposed to the sun can become very hot and cause burns.
Protruding bolts, openings, hooks or other elements that can trap or entangle clothing.
Heavy swing sets that could fall over.
Slippery decks, particularly when wet.
Loose ropes, cords, wires, cables on playground. All such items, including skipping ropes, should be used only under supervision and kept in storage at other times.
Missing or poorly maintained fences
Grounds in poor condition. Dog poo, broken glass, standing water and even drug paraphernalia can lie around unseen in untrimmed grass.
Electrical apparatus accessible to children. Air conditioners, switch boxes, and so on should be made inaccessible to children.
Pools of water. It doesn’t take a very deep pool for a little child to drown in.

Dress for safety

Dress your child in comfortable clothes that aren’t loose enough to hook on anything.
Avoid toggles that can hook and tighten around your child’s neck.
Choose non-slip, sturdy shoes.

How do you keep your child safe in the playground?