"Be sure there are no points on the play equipment that can catch a child's clothing," says Holtzman. Closed-toe footwear, such as sneakers and boots, are safe shoe options when laces are tied securely. Avoid oversized clothing, necklaces, and drawstrings, and swap scarves for neck warmers on chilly days. When it comes to dressing kids safely for swing set play, consider more than just the weather. By following the example you set, they'll learn almost automatically." It's also crucial to give your child your full attention, meaning you should stay close by and free of distractions.ĭress Your Child in Playground-Safe Clothes ![]() "Make sure they know how to, and explain the dangers of not following the rules. "Even in your own backyard, there must be safety rules, and you'd rather your child not learn them the hard way," she says. Before letting your children play on the swing set, Holtzman suggests showing them how to properly use the equipment. Plain and simple: Accident prevention starts with you. "Twelve inches of loose fill material, such as sand, pea gravel, wood products, or loose rubber products, will make a soft-enough cushion, but you can also use rubber mats, synthetic turf, and other artificial materials (ASTM tested), which require less maintenance." Stay away from asphalt, concrete, dirt, grass, and soil. "For swings, the material should extend-at the front and back-as far as twice the height of the suspending bar," says Holtzman. Each apparatus should be set at least 12 feet from every other structure." She emphasizes the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions for installation and regularly inspecting your swing set for signs of wear, like hazardous splintering or cracks in the equipment.Įxpert Advice for Safe Play on Swing SetsĪdd a soft material, such as this ASTM-approved playground tile at Wayfair, under slides, swings, and other equipment that would benefit from a cushioned surface. "Prepare this area so that it's nearly level but will drain. "Find a place in your yard that is at least 6 feet from walls and at least 7 feet from electrical wires-the wires should not go over the playground," she says. ![]() According to Holtzman, you'll want to plan your placement carefully so that it's far enough away from hazards. Once you find the best swing set for your child's needs, the next step is finding the right spot to install it. What to Consider When Installing a Swing Set "Swing sets for young children should be composed of soft materials, such as canvas, rubber, or plastic, and no more than two swing seats should be suspended in one section," she says. When choosing a swing set brand, Holtzman says it's extremely important to make sure you're buying equipment that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials standards. "It's best to check with your pediatrician to see when your child is ready ," she says. Many injuries of young children occur when they play on equipment designed for older children." She recommends a full bucket swing, like this one, for young children who can sit upright on their own. ![]() "If the child is too small for the equipment, they cannot safely use it. "Don't buy equipment expecting your child to grow into it," says Holtzman. ![]() Plus, you can choose from simple, two-seat swing sets or high-end designs with clubhouses, slides, ladders, climbing walls, and other fun bonus features.Īccording to Debra Holtzman, J.D., M.A., a child safety expert and the author of The Safe Baby, you want to purchase swing sets that are appropriate for your child's current age and weight. Luckily, there are many residential swing set options on the market to fit your child's needs. Sure, you could take a trip to a community playground, but that would involve a lot more risk factors, like equipment safety and germ control. Not only do swing sets keep children entertained, but they also help them stay healthy and active. If you want to make your backyard more exciting for your kids, consider adding a swing set.
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