Your neighborhood’s playground can be a bonanza for walking, running, climbing and jumping toddlers. Stay close by as your toddler plays and follow these safety precautions:

• Make sure your child uses toddler-safe swings (with close supervision).

• Check metal surfaces to make sure they aren’t hot enough to burn your child.

• Avoid equipment like see-saws and jungle gyms, which—while tempting for toddlers—require more advanced motor skills than they possess.

Choosing a Safe Playground

Before you let your toddler head off to explore and play, take a good look at the playground. Evaluate it for the following:

• Points or corners that can cause injury.

• Cargo nets or openings wide enough to stick heads or limbs through.

• Tripping hazards, such as ropes, cables, tree roots and rocks.

• Equipment that is not secured to the ground.

• A ground surface that is not soft enough to offer some cushioning.

If it doesn’t appear safe, find another play space.

Disclaimer: This page is not intended to provide medical advice about your child. Always seek the advice of a physician, qualified healthcare provider or child-development specialist with any questions you have about your child's health, medical condition or development. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you read here.