- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Play It Safe
Avoiding Recreational Hazards
ayground – where the majority of injuries are caused by falls to the ground. "Whether the playground be at school or a park, parents need to check out the playground to find out what equipment their kids will be playing on and how the playground is surfaced," says Dr. Bernstein. "Surfaces should be soft to cushion falls and not made of concrete, dirt or even grass, because the ground underneath it can still be too hard."
Swings are the most likely pieces of moving equipment on a playground where children will get hurt either by taking a fall, colliding with another child on a swing or because the equipment is old and unsafe. According to the National Safety Council, swings should be set far enough away from other equipment so that children won't be hit by a moving swing, and only two swings should be in each supporting framework.
Slides should also be anchored firmly in the ground, have firm handrails and good traction on the steps, so kids don't slip. Seesaws should be spring loaded (not chained in the middle) and have an object mounted underneath the seat to keep it from hitting the ground as children go up and down. Merry-go-rounds should have good handgrips, and the rotating platform should be level and clear the ground enough to prevent kids from getting their arms or legs caught underneath.
Climbing equipment such as monkey bars and jungle gyms are responsible for 40 percent of all playground injuries, according to the National Safety Council.
Dr. Bernstein warns that children under the age of 4 should not play on this equipment and that parents or other responsible adults should watch kids closely. "Climbing equipment is great for helping kids develop upper body strength and agility, but parents should 'spot' and watch younger kids closely to prevent a serious fall," he says.
For more information on any of the orthopedic or pediatric programs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, please call 1-800-CEDARS-1 or 1-800-233-2771.
