Archive | Toddler Proofing

Sports Safety For Children

Encouraging a toddler to take part in sports is a great way to boost a toddler’s development and health. However, there is always a risk of injury. Parents can follow these sports safety guide for children to help reduce that threat.

Choose Age-appropriate Sports

The number one sports safety rule for children is to pick a sport that suit a child’s age and capability. Children under the age of five are still not ready to play organized sports such as martial arts, gymnastics, golf and track and field. This is because it puts too much pressure on a child who is still developing his dexterity. Sports such as running, kickball, biking (with training wheels or a tricycle), climbing and soccer are best for smaller children.

Have A Physical Examination

Before going into any sport, child health experts recommend children to go through a physical examination. A physical examination is necessary to determine whether or not a child is fit enough to play sports. An overweight, underweight, out of shape or a child with restricted mobility is at risk for injury as compared to children who are more physically competent. Having this test also helps point out any problems early on so the toddler’s doctor can come up with methods to treat these deficiencies.

Use The Right Gear

Every sport has its own gear. It is very important for parents to provide gear that protects, fits correctly and is appropriate for the sport. Protective eyewear is recommended for a toddler who will play soccer, knee pads and helmets with an adjustable strap for biking and for other sports that can bruise or scratch a toddler’s face and mouth guard for basketball. See to it that the child understands the proper use of the gears.

Make Sure There Is A Warm-up and Cool-down Period

Warm-up and cool-down periods are necessary for any sport. The warming up period is essential to get the body ready into good condition and prepares cardiac function for increased activity and minimizes the threat of stress being placed on the heart. The cooling down period is vital for slowly cooling the body down from rigorous physical activity and also help normalize breathing and heart rate.

Hydrate

Also one of the most important sports safety tip for children is to stay hydrated. Playing physically demanding activities can be draining and inadequate water supply in the body can lead to dehydration. Hence, it is imperative for parents to ensure that they provide their toddlers plenty of water or sports drink to replenish the lost fluids in the body.

Use Sunscreen

Children who are into sports must use sunscreen. The sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause damage to a child’s sensitive skin and may cause skin cancer later in life. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen to the toddler’s skin at least 30 minutes before he goes out. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and has UVA and UVB protection.

Practice A Healthy Lifestyle

No, this does not mean a child who is active in sports can only eat fruits and vegetables forever. A bar of chocolate or a glass of soft drink every now and then is fine as long as the toddler has a healthy diet. In addition, getting plenty of rest is also very important to allow the toddler to recuperate after a rigorous event.

Seek Medical Care

Never let a child who is tired or hurt (no matter how minor) to participate in a sporting event. A toddler can develop bone fracture and a sprained muscle can easily become a torn muscle. Consult the doctor at once if the toddler is injured or develops symptoms that impedes with the toddler’s aptitude to play.

Sports can be a source of enjoyment for children, help them develop their skills and learn values. But, parents should always remember these sports safety tips for children to ensure their precious ones are safe and sound.

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Helping Your Toddler Prepare For An Emergency

Being prepared for any emergency is something every individual must learn, including toddlers. Helping your toddler prepare for an emergency is not as hard as you think. Here are some basic tips about emergency preparedness for children.

Talk To Your Toddler

Instead of protecting your toddler from possible tragedies, educate your toddler about the different kinds of disasters. This is the best way to alleviate his fears. Talk about the difference between a problem and an emergency. A problem is something that he needs help with but does not need emergency services while an emergency requires immediate assistance. Encourage him to ask questions about fires, floods, earthquakes, etc. and make sure you answer them as clearly as possible. Provide various scenarios and ask your toddler how he would react to it. For instance, you can say “What would you do if there is an earthquake?” or “Who will you call if there is an intruder in the house?”. Doing this will help you evaluate what your toddler already knows as well as give him appropriate actions he must do during an emergency.

Come Up With A Plan

Plan escape routes with your toddler. Determine how you can get out of your house quickly, which exits to use and who to call in case of an emergency. Assign a meeting place where everyone can gather in case there is a need to evacuate and do a head count to ensure all members of the family are present.

Prepare An Emergency Kit Together

Organize an emergency kit with your toddler. Show him each item and explain its purposes. Items that must be present in an emergency kit include:

  • Flashlights
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Bottled water
  • Cash
  • Important documents stored in a water-resistant and fireproof container (e.g. birth and marriage certificates, passports, insurance papers)
  • 3-day supply of non-perishable foods for each family member (formula milk, canned soup, vegetables, meat and juice, granola bars, candies, dry pasta, crackers and cereals)
  • Extra clothes
  • Blankets
  • Sanitation items (diaper, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
  • A few books and toys

Practice

It is very important that you do practice runs on a regular basis. Act out what should be done if an emergency came up. Practice going to your basement to prepare for a tornado. Teach him to crawl out of your house, get under a sturdy table during an earthquake or how to tell if someone is breathing so he can pass the information to the 911 operator.

Conduct a surprise drill. Being under pressure is the best way to determine whether your toddler truly knows how to act during an emergency. Play “Black Out” one evening. Turn off all the lights in your home and get out flashlights. Spend at least 2 hours without electricity to see what your toddler would do.

It is normal for your toddler to feel scared during an emergency. But, by preparing your toddler at an early age, your toddler will likely be less anxious because he knows how to react.

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Six Surprising Safety Hazards For Your Toddler

You may have bought the best childproofing gadgets to keep your toddler safe and sound. But did you know there are some safety hazards you may have ignored that can cause serious harm to your toddler? Check out these safety hazards you might be unaware of.

Bed

The bed is a place of rest, comfort and security. However, what many do not know is that a bed can be a potential safety hazard for children. How? Certain objects, bedcovers and toys can cause suffocation. Also, your toddler might fall off the bed if he tends to move a lot in his sleep.

Safety Tip: To prevent accidents, avoid putting stuffed animals, bumpers and too many pillows in the bed. Instead, place pillows and a thick blanket on the floor around the bed as an emergency landing pad. Better yet, purchase toddler bed rails to keep your toddler from falling out of the bed. Regularly check the condition of the bed. See to it there are no chips, protruding corners, sharp objects, creaks and that it is still strong enough to support your toddler.

Dishwasher

It is common for toddlers to explore their home. One favorite household item toddlers consider a toy is a dishwasher. Little wanderers find joy in dishwashers because they have racks, buttons and sounds. Unfortunately, a dishwasher gives your toddler easy access to knives, forks and other sharp items. His tiny hands can get crushed and he can swallow dishwashing soap which can burn the esophagus.

Safety Tip: Point utensils downward in the utensil container. Use a dishwasher child lock to keep the dishwasher latched when it is not in use.

Bags

A purse, shoulder bag, backpack, suitcase and pouch can put your toddler’s safety at risk. Your little one can choke himself if he plays with bag straps or gains access to the contents of the bag (lipstick, pens, coins, medications, etc.) and hurt his hands with the zippers.

Safety Tip: Always store your bag in a place that is out of your toddler’s reach (e.g. in a locked cabinet or closet).

Power Windows

A lot of accidents and deaths have been reported involving children and car windows. A toddler can lose or squeeze his fingers or injure his head if he puts his hand or head out the window then accidentally leans on the switch, causing the window to close on him.

Safety Tip: Use the lock control so your child will not be able to operate power windows. Never leave your toddler alone inside the car.

Car Seats

By this time, your toddler probably knows how to operate a car seat and he may try unbuckling himself without your knowledge. This makes him prone to danger in case you suddenly step on the break or encounter a head-on collision.

Safety Tip: The number one reason why toddlers unbuckle themselves in their car seat is because they are bored. Make car rides more exciting by playing his favorite songs or bringing a toy to entertain him. You can also try sticking some Velcro underneath the buckle or turn the belt buckle around to make it more difficult for your toddler to unlatch himself.

Balloons

Children love balloons. They are colorful and they float in the air. But once your toddler inhales them or chokes on them, it can lead to death. Why? Balloons, especially latex balloons can conform to your toddler’s throat and totally block the airway making it difficult for your toddler to breath.

Safety Tip: Opt for Mylar balloons instead of traditional rubber balloons. They are safer, do not pop and are recyclable. Do not let your toddler play or blow latex balloons. If a balloon pops, immediately dispose all the pieces.

Safety hazards are everywhere. But, by keeping an alert eye and following certain precautionary measures, you can safeguard your precious one from danger.

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Toddler Safety – Childproofing A Toddler’s Room

Toddlers love exploring the world around them, but sadly, that world can hurt them. Luckily, there is one place where you can have total control over your toddler’s security – his bedroom. Here are some toddler safety tips to help you make sure your toddler’s room is as safe as possible.

Make An Assessment

How can you determine whether your toddler’s room is safe or unsafe? By getting down on the floor and examining things from your toddler’s height. What do you see that could pose a risk to your child’s safety? Are his toys out of reach? Are there tall furnitures that can collapse on him? Are electrical cords hidden or spread on the floor? Placing yourself in your toddler’s point of view is the best way to identify hazards.

Use A Bed

A crib can no longer provide security once a child reaches toddlerhood. Toddlers can climb out of cribs increasing the risk of a fall. If your toddler has a convertible crib, you may still use it as this can be converted into a toddler bed. If not, you need to buy your child a toddler bed. Choose one that is sturdy and has a simple design. Just spruce it up with colorful or cartoon-themed beddings. Buy side rails (if the bed does not have one) so you can keep your toddler from rolling off the bed at night.

Secure Furnitures

Your toddler’s room should be spacious so your little one can freely wander around. Keep furnitures to a minimum - a dresser, cabinet, bookcase, a small play table and one or two child-size chairs. Secure cabinets, shelves and the dresser to the wall using safety brackets to prevent your little one from climbing or dragging the furniture down on top of him. Place edge guards on the corners of the furnitures your toddler might ran into. Make sure there are no fragile items in his room (e.g. glass).

Secure Cords and Electrical Outlets

Electricity is dangerous for everyone, most especially to a toddler. Your toddler’s curious hands can get him into big trouble. To avoid that, cover electrical outlets with sliding safety plates which are hard to remove. For cords and wires, tie them up or use a cord shortener or wind-ups to keep your toddler from grabbing them or wrapping them around his neck which can cause strangulation.

Evaluate Doors and Windows

Your toddler’s bedroom door should have a knob that does not lock to prevent your toddler from locking himself in his room and getting trapped. Secure windows with window guards to place a barrier between your toddler and open windows. Use window stops to prevent your child from opening them. As much as possible do not install curtains. But if you insist on using them, opt for cordless blinds.

Arrange Things Systematically

Proper arrangement can minimize the risk of exposing your toddler to danger. Place the items your toddler regularly uses such as toys, books and art materials in a place where he can easily reach them. Place them on low shelves or in colorful, easy to open baskets and plastic containers.

A toddler’s room is considered as a safe haven for children. Following these preventative measures will help keep your toddler secure in his room and give you peace of mind.

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Internet Safety For Kids

The internet plays a huge role in a child’s life. The internet is a great tool, but it can also bring danger to children since young users are more vulnerable and are generally more at risk than adults. Thus, it is essential for parents to follow these tips about internet safety for kids.

Tweak Your Computer

Anti-virus and firewall software are a must for every computer so make sure you have them installed. Use the parental control settings on your browser (most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have one), filter search engines (Yahoo! Kids and KidsClick are child-friendly search engines) or choose a child-friendly home page (e.g. KidRocket.com, SurfKnight.com or Zoodles.com) in your browser settings to control your toddler’s access.

Educate Your Toddler

Bear in mind that these online protection tools and parental controls do not guarantee that your toddler will be completely safeguarded from the risks on the web so it is important that you educate your toddler about internet safety. Explain to him that while the internet is a good source of entertainment and education, there are inappropriate things happening in the web that are unsafe for children. Tell him that personal information (name, home address, phone number, password, etc.) must be kept private. Tell your toddler that if he sees anything disturbing, he should notify you right away.

Limit Internet Time

It might be tempting to leave your little one clicking away in front of the computer so you can finish your chores, but remember – the more time your toddler spends using the computer, the higher the risk he is exposed to dangerous things. Set a strict time limit for online play. 10 to 20 minutes of online play is the recommended time frame for toddlers. Provide your toddler with plenty of activities such as reading, drawing, DIY projects, sports and playing with other children at the playground so he has tons of fun things to do, minimizing internet time.

Be On The Lookout

Always keep a close eye on your toddler every time your little one is online. It is a good idea to place the computer in a public space such as your living room instead of putting it in your toddler’s bedroom so you can still check in often while doing laundry or preparing dinner. Doing so also helps you easily detect if your toddler is trying to hide something.

Surf The Web Together

It is important to be involved with your toddler’s internet life. Make time to surf child-friendly websites and play online games together. Talk about what he is doing on the web.

Make Sure To Log Out

Do not forget to sign out and close windows each time you are done using the computer. This will keep your toddler from gaining access and accidentally deleting your important files. It is a good idea to give your toddler his own log-in on your operating system so you can be sure everything he can access is good for him.

Taking an active role in your toddler’s internet activities will help make sure that your child benefits from the useful information the internet offers without exposing him to danger.

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Ways To Prevent Lead Poisoning In Children

Childproofing your home is one of the most important obligations you have as a parent. Follow these tips on how to prevent lead poisoning in children so you can create a safe abode for your toddler.

Get A Screening For Lead Poisoning

Most children around 2 years of age have to be screened for lead poisoning since over 1 million children in the United States have high lead levels in their blood which can result to seizure, anemia, hearing loss, kidney problems and even death. Hence, it is very important that you talk to your pediatrician about this testing. Generally, a lead screening is conducted by a simple blood test. Your doctor may perform this test by taking blood from the vein or pricking your toddler’s finger. If the test shows your baby has a high lead level, medical treatment such as “chelation therapy” may be necessary to eliminate lead from the body. For more information on lead poisoning prevention, contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC).

Check Your House

Regularly wet-mop floors and windows since household dust is a number one source of lead. Test the paint inside and outside your home especially if it was built before 1978. Make sure furnitures and walls do not have any peeling paint. Use vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clear the air of possible allergens. Check household items to make sure they are labelled lead-free. Visit the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website for a list of recalled toys and dispose recalled items at once.

Have Your Soil and Water Tested

See to it you have your soil and tap water tested by your local health department to ensure they are not contaminated. Cover the soil with wood chips, mulch or grass. You may purchase a water filter to remove the lead from tap water. Run your faucet for a few minutes before using the tap water for drinking or cooking. In addition, it is best to use cold water for since warm tap water is more likely to contain lead.

Wash Hands Frequently

Basic hygiene is very essential in decreasing the risk of lead poisoning. Teach your toddler how to wash his hands properly especially before eating or after playing and using the toilet.

Serve Your Toddler Healthy Meals

See to it your toddler gets a well-balanced diet. Offer him foods rich in calcium, iron, protein, vitamin C and zinc as these minerals can reduce the absorption of lead by the body. Read food labels and avoid foods processed in other countries as much as possible.

Renovate With Caution

If you decide to renovate your home, make sure you are well-informed about the guidelines. Contact the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) for more information about home renovation and make sure you follow the rules dutifully. You can also have your newly renovated home undergo a risk assessment to be 100% sure your home is lead-free.

Lead poisoning is a fatal health hazard. Thus, care should always be observed to avoid exposing your precious one from danger.

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How To Soothe An Injured Child

Seeing your precious angel in distress is heartbreaking. Thus, it is important that you know what to do in order to alleviate your toddler’s discomfort. Here are some techniques parents swear by to soothe an injured child.

Stay Calm

If your toddler is hurt, remain calm and confident as much as possible. If you panic or become hysterical, your little one will feed off your emotions and become frightened as well, making the situation even worse. But, if you stay composed and grab a bandage if he scrapes his knee, your toddler will see that the bandage will cure the wound, which will stop the tears from flowing.

Run A Bath

Your injured toddler can find comfort by taking a warm bath. Run tepid water in the tub and let your little one sit on it for at least 10 minutes. This will help ease his anguish. It will also help eliminate any dirt present in his wound without having to forcefully rub the injury. Then, once he is done taking a bath, cover his small injury and he will be all better.

Have A Steady Supply of Colorful Bandages

Bandages can cure minor cuts and scrapes. The key is to buy tons of colorful bandages or Band-Aid’s with a cartoon character print. Have him pick the bandage he likes, help him put it on and commend him for a job well done. Also, let him remove it once the bandage is ready to come off.

Give Lots of Kisses

A parent’s touch is very magical for a toddler. So see to it that you give your toddler a teddy bear hug and shower his boo-boo with lots of kisses. The tender and healing touch of a parent is probably the fastest way to sooth a toddler’s owie and put that smile back on his face.

Use A Fun Icepack

A plain looking icepack is okay, but using it on a toddler is not a very good idea. Keep it exciting by buying a cute looking icepack. You can choose from a colorful cold pack, Elmo cold pack, Football Boo Boo Buddy or a Boo Bunnie Ice Pack. Just keep it in the freezer and get it out to relieve a bump. The adorable designs will keep your toddler so happy that he will want it on his owie for a long time.

Provide A Distraction

When treating his injury, redirect his attention by talking about something else. Think of a topic your toddler is interested in or have him recount his favorite scene in the PB&J Otter show. Sing a funny children’s song (e.g. The Wee Song, Shake Your Sillies Out). Count to 10 together. Make silly faces and loud smacking sounds.

Ignore It

This is for minor injuries. If your toddler hurts himself yet he does not cry, do not overdramatize it. Instead, pick him up and encourage him to try again. Most likely, his attention will be so focused on finding a solution on how he can try again without hurting himself that his small injury will be forgotten.

It is normal for children to suffer some cuts and bruises. The tips mentioned above can do wonders to soothe a toddler in pain.

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Choking Hazards – Ways To Safeguard Your Toddler

Toddlers have busy hands. They like touching, reaching and putting anything their hands can grab into their mouths. Thus, the reason why toddlers have a high possibility of choking on food and small objects. Below are some safety precautions you need to follow in order to protect your toddler from these choking hazards.

Pay Attention

Supervise your toddler every time he is eating or drinking. Teach him to chew and swallow his food before talking or laughing. See to it your toddler is seated while eating. Do not let him run, walk, climb or throw food in the air and catch it with his mouth. Store chokable foods in an area your toddler cannot reach.

Mash, Grind and Chop

Always cut up your toddler’s food into bite-size pieces before serving it to him. Puree and chop hotdog, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, chicken and cheese into small portions. This will make it easier for the food to go down the trachea (windpipe).

Accurately Time Introduction of Solid Foods

Now that your little one is eating solids, you have to be very meticulous of the food you will serve. See to it that he has the motor skills to swallow to prevent choking. Do not give your toddler any hard, smooth foods if he is below 4 years old as this can partially or completely obstruct the trachea. Avoid giving him the following:

  • Hard candy
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Fruits with pits
  • Unpeeled fruits (e.g. apple and pear)
  • Soft foods (e.g. bubble gum, caramel, marshmallow, jelly or gummy candies)
  • Peanut butter
  • Sausages
  • Raw celery, carrots and peas

Read

See to it that you read all manufacturers’ food labels cautiously to find out if it contains ingredients that pose choking hazards. Also, be wary of foods with labels that says “100% organic”, “all-natural” or “no preservatives”. Not all of them are honest.

Evaluate Your Toddler’s Toys

Look for age guidelines when buying toys for your little one. Some toys contain small parts that can cause suffocation, so make sure you read and understand everything that is written on a toy’s packaging. Do not forget to inspect the item as well. In addition, check your toddler’s toys regularly to ensure they are in excellent condition. Some of his toys may have loose parts like a busted plastic hinge, chipped paint, loose eyes or cracked parts that may need repair or has to be thrown away.

Properly Store Small Objects

Get on your hands and knees and check the floor and tables for small items that could pose a choking risk such as  buttons, batteries, coins, clips, safety pins, small balls and toys, bolts and screws or any object smaller than 1 ¼ inches. You can buy a small object choking tester or use an empty toilet paper roll to help you assess the safety of an object. If it fits into the cylinder, it is a choking hazard. Keep these harmful objects in a container and place them in a cabinet with a lock. Also, make sure you keep hazardous household items like detergent, toilet cleaner, fertilizers and other products with chemicals out of your toddler’s reach.

Your toddler’s safety is your number one priority and the best way to ensure that is to childproof your home so you can provide your precious one a haven where he can explore safely.

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Tips For Cleaning Toddler Toys

Toddler toys are a haven for germ and bacteria growth which can spread rapidly and cause illness to a family. Keep your toddler’s toys clean by following these easy steps.

Classify Your Toddler’s Toys

First, you need to put your toddler’s toys on a rotation system. Divide his toys into three groups – toys your toddler is currently playing with, toys being washed or needs to be cleaned and toys already disinfected. This way, when you have to take away the toys your toddler is playing with to clean them, you will have the already sanitized toys on reserve to replace them. Not only does this help with keeping toys clean and germ-free, it also makes your toddler think new toys are arriving each week.

Follow Cleaning Instructions

There are different ways to clean toys, so see to it you know the proper way of cleaning them.

For Electric and Battery Operated Toys

Cleaning electric and battery operated toys is more complex than cleaning your toddler’s plastic toys. But, you can disinfect them by spraying a kitchen disinfectant on a clean cloth and wiping it down the toy. Make sure that the toy does not get wet, only slightly damp and then leave it to air dry.

For Plastic and Wooden Toys

Toys made of plastic and wood are the toys that often end up in your toddler’s mouth, hence, they pick up dust and germs more easily. Putting them in the dishwasher can damage the toys. The best and easiest way to clean plastic and wooden toys is by mixing equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the toys and wipe them off. Do not worry about the smell of vinegar, it will go away once the toys are dry.

Another option is to fill a small bucket with 1 gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of bleach. Mix this together and place the toys inside the bucket. Allow the toys to sit for 30 minutes. Use a scrub brush to eliminate any dirt from the toy’s surface. Rinse well and air dry before giving them to your little one.

For Waterproof Toys

Stuffed toys and toys made of fabric are often washable. You can simply put them in the washing machine on the cold, gentle cycle. Add 1 cup of distilled vinegar to disinfect them during the rinse cycle. You can either machine dry or air dry them. Just make sure they are not exposed to heat for a long time to avoid mildew.

For toys with stains, you may use a toothpaste (make sure there is no bleach) and toothbrush to scrub the dirt, sprinkle baking soda on the stains and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before washing them or spritz some lemon juice on the stain and set it out in the sun.

For Big Toys

Large toys (e.g. play gym, playpen, play house, etc.) should also be disinfected regularly. Clean them outside and wash them with soap and water. Larger toys need less cleaning but it is still important to use a disinfectant spray on them every week to keep them clean.

Keep your toddler and your family safe from germs and illnesses by cleaning your toddler’s toys habitually. Remember, having a germ-free environment is the first step to living a healthy and fruitful life.

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The ABC’s of Building A Safe Playground For Toddlers

Building a safe playground for toddlers require cautious planning and attention especially when it comes to safety issues. So before you go ahead and execute your plan, consult with an expert. Below are a few basic points you should keep in mind.

Avoid Weak Surfaces

A playground should withstand any pressure (e.g. weather conditions, kids’ weight, etc.). The safety of a playground relies on the foundation where it is being set-up. Do not build a playground in earth surfaces such as grass, soil and hard packed dirt. Asphalt and concrete surfaces should also be avoided as they are weak, tending to lose their ability to absorb shock when frequently used or during major environmental conditions which only result to serious head injury, or worse, death.

Use Flooring That Can Reduce The Effects of A Fall

First, make sure that the flooring you use can decrease the impacts of a fall. There are 2 types of flooring materials you can use – loose-filling materials and manufactured artificial surfaces.

Loose-filling materials consist of wood chips, fine sand, gravel, shredded bark mulch or rubber mulch and shredded tires. Although it is cheaper than manufactured synthetics, loose-fill materials cannot endure wet weather, freezing temperature and prolonged use. It requires regular maintenance and constant replacement to retain its depth.

Manufactured artificial surfaces include rubber mats comprised of rubber and urethane components (ideal for applications of geometric shapes and special graphics). Manufactured synthetic surface are more expensive but less maintenance is required. Plus, it also absorbs water very quickly keeping the playground dry and clean at all times.

Take note that the greater the depth, the greater the shock absorption. Be sure to ask the producer for test results on shock absorption.

Make Room For Space

Allowance is the key to having a safe playground. Always make room for more space. Hence, the floor should extend to over 6 feet past the play area. If the fort is over 4 feet, it would be a good idea to not leave the guard rails open. Make sure you keep them close together to prevent your toddler from getting his head trapped in between the rails. See to it that the railings are above 38 inches and most of all, ensure that there is adequate space that can grow as your toddler grows.

Create A Cushion Zone

A cushion or buffer zone is an area that lies between two or more other areas that is used either for adjoining or segregating. Use a cushion zone plastered with a protective surfacing material under and around all the equipment where a toddler might fall. It must be able to extend to at least 6 feet in all directions starting from the edge of the equipment. Make sure this area needs to be free of other equipments and barriers.

Attach Swing Sets Securely With Proper Spacing

The front and back of the swing should be big, one that extends out a minimum distance of twice the height of the swing (measured from the ground to the swing hangers). Swings should not be too close together to avoid injuries from the collision of moving swings. Spacing should be a minimum of 8 inches between swings, 8 inches from the support frame and 8 inches between the ground and base of the swings.

Divide The Playground Into Different Areas

To avoid collision, separate the playground into areas. Reserve a spot where toddlers can play in sandboxes or engage in various activities, an area for sliding and swinging and an area where toddlers can play house.

Keep in mind that no matter how safe a playground is, adult supervision is still crucial. While you may not totally stop things from happening, at least you are assured that your toddler can play freely without constantly worrying so much.

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