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Playgrounds can be lots of fun. They give your toddler a place to develop and practice new physical skills, such as running, climbing and swinging, along with valuable social skills while playing with other children.  

Here's some advice to help keep the experience safe:

For any playgrounds or parks you visit, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the playground equipment in good condition, well anchored, and the right size and height for your toddler? If your toddler can’t reach the equipment without help, it’s too big.
• Children younger than five should use playgrounds designed for preschoolers. The equipment should be no more than 1.5 metres (five feet) high.
• Does the play equipment have guardrails and barriers to prevent injuries?
• Is the equipment free of points, corners, hooks, joints, and other things that could catch clothing?
• Are the swing seats made of soft material to prevent injuries?
• Is there lots of space around the play equipment?
• Does the playground have proper surfaces? Sand, wood chips and synthetic materials are best.

Playground safety tips:

• Always accompany your toddler to the playground, and provide proper supervision. Playground falls are a major cause of serious injuries.
• Never dress your toddler in clothes that may become caught on equipment. Drawstrings, skipping ropes, scarves, bike helmet straps, and loose clothing can become tangled and strangle a toddler.
• Teach your toddler not to cross the path of a moving swing.
• Check the temperature of a metal slide with your hand. A metal slide standing in the sun can get hot enough to burn the skin. 

Resources & Links: 

HealthLink BC: Your Toddler: Safe Ways to Explore