Play is an important part of your child’s development, and can be a whole lot of fun! Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of injury when fun gets out of hand. As a parent, it’s hard not to worry about your kid when they’re messing around! However, there are ways to keep your child safe during play. Here are just 6 tips for you to follow, and hopefully set your mind at ease.
Invest in child-safe toys only
It’s important that the toys you choose for your child are appropriate for their age, and made with their safety in mind. Hazardous toys, where they run the risk of choking or burning, are an unwise choice. There are lists available, provided by reputable sources, that you can peruse to ensure the toys your child is playing with are child-safe.
Make sure your child knows how to stay safe, themselves!
Although your child might be little, they still benefit from parents telling them how to stay safe. Make sure your little one knows how to be careful around hazards such as long cords and electrical sockets, or when they play outdoors. And, if they do need help when playing, make sure your child knows they can call on you! A little discussion before playtime regarding safety rules can go a long way.
Supervision is always an essential
Keeping kids safe during play depends on attentive supervision. If something goes wrong, it’s essential that you act quickly! Keeping a close eye on your child, whilst allowing them the independence of play with friends or family, is something we recommend.
Look into protective gear
Nowadays, there are toys for kids that are super interactive, explorative and fancy! Take Mercedes ride on cars, for example. Riding toys are fun and rewarding for a little one, but it’s best to invest in protective gear – just in case. The first step to staying safe is avoiding injury at all. Opt for helmets, pads and other equipment to keep your child safe from falls, bumps and bruises that are so often seen during athletic or outdoor play.
Child-safe areas for play
It’s important that your child has a safe space for play, too. It doesn’t matter whether you’re inside or out! If you are in the big outdoors, make sure your child plays in a closed garden – here, they can’t get lost, and intruders can’t get in. Inside, toddler gate locking mechanisms are useful for preventing falls down the stairs. Padded flooring can also be a worthy investment, cushioning against any bumps or trips.
Always inspect the toys you have
Toys, and other playful equipment, deteriorate over time, much like any other object! Of course, plastic toys can last for longer, but they aren’t always good for the environment, and they can still take a hefty knock from years of play. If you don’t pay close attention to the condition of your toys, your kid could face injury.
Whether you’re at the playground or home, check the toys available are in tip-top shape. Don’t forget to check nearby hazards, either: when outdoors, things like nails, broken glass and even loose bottle caps can pose a risk. Consider carrying around a small first aid kit, in the event a cut or bruise does happen.
