Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Your kids aren't the only ones who need to play it safe on the playground. When running around with your youngsters, it's important to keep safety front and center.The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) recommend the following playground safety tips for parents:
- Never go down a slide with a baby or toddler in your lap.
- Steer children to age-appropriate playground equipment.
- Check to see that there’s enough space for children to easily get off the slide or merry-go-round. Don't let kids crowd around the exit areas.
- Check the handgrips on monkey bars and other climbing devices to verify that they’re secure, and also shaped and sized for a child's hand.
- Swing seats should be made of plastic or rubber for a better grip.
- Avoid any equipment that has openings that could entrap a child's head.
- Be sure you can always clearly see your children on the playground.
- Avoid playgrounds that have concrete, asphalt, hard-packed dirt or grass play surfaces. The surface should be made of wood chips, mulch, or shredded rubber for play equipment up to seven feet high.
- Use care and caution in the sun. In hot weather, equipment exposed to direct sunlight can become hot, and potentially burn skin.
- Remove tripping hazards such as exposed concrete footings, tree stumps, or rocks.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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