Playgrounds can be a dangerous place for children. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 150,000 children are hurt on playgrounds across the country every year. Falls cause the most injuries. Careful planning, parental oversight and proper maintenance of the playground can increase toddler safety. Community playground planners need to pay attention to various approaches that can minimize the danger for toddlers through a variety of measures.
Considerations
Playground design must include various activities geared toward children of different ages and abilities. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, age-appropriate equipment should be incorporated to challenge children as they grow. At the same time, children must be supervised so that they only play on equipment for which they are physically prepared.
Prevention/Solution
Designs that can help reduce toddler injuries on the playground include surfaces that protect children when they fall, such as soft sand, wood chips or recycled rubber. Bars must be placed so that young children cannot get their heads stuck in them. Equipment must be sturdy enough so that it won't tip over when children play. Sharp edges, protruding bars and ropes in which children can become entangled should be eliminated.
Potential
Children must be taught about the potential for danger at playgrounds that includes accidents and harassment from other children. However, toddlers do not possess conceptual reasoning skills yet and must be supervised. According to the State of Colorado Best Practices, parents must be educated about all the potential hazards at public playgrounds. Parents must protect their children from injury by not over-estimating their children's physical abilities and only allow them to play on equipment for which they are suited.
Misconceptions
Indoor playgrounds can present just as many hazards as outdoor playgrounds with much more hazardous equipment. According to Fort Worth Child, parents who bring kids to an indoor playground must provide continuous supervision for their toddlers to prevent running into other children, getting stuck in tubes or on ropes and from putting objects into their mouths. Netting, floor mats and tubes that are damaged can cause injuries at indoor playgrounds. Additionally, without constant supervision, toddlers can easily walk off or be taken by strangers.
Warning
Hazards come in many forms that are not always inherent in the equipment. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children can burn their hands in the summer when they grab on to hot railings. Kids should never run barefoot at playgrounds to avoid stepping on glass and other objects. When going to the playground, parents should remove loose clothing or jewelry that can choke children or get caught up in the equipment. Moving parts on playground equipment can be especially dangerous for toddlers who can get pinched or become immobilized.
