Safe play at the playground

The most dangerous things at a playground are those that can catch around the neck when a child climbs or slides. Here is what to check before your child runs off.

What comes off

• The bike helmet. The chin strap is designed not to let go. If the helmet catches on a climbing frame or a fence, the child can be strangled, and it has happened. Take the helmet off when you arrive. Read more in When should kids wear a helmet?
• The scarf. Switch to a neck warmer that goes over the head. A scarf can get caught.
• Cords. Loose cords on clothes can catch. Our advice: cut them off or choose clothes without.
• Hoods that don't release. A hood can catch and make it hard to breathe. Best is a hood fastened with press studs, so it comes off if the child gets stuck.

Trampolines

If the playground has a trampoline it should have a net around it. Check that it is dry before kids jump, so nobody slips.

In winter

• Ice on frames and slides. Our advice: feel with your hand. An icy slide is much faster than in summer, and steps and platforms can be slippery.
• Neck warmer and mittens. See how to dress kids for the temperature.
• Reflectors. It gets dark early. Reflectors or reflective fabric help your child be seen.

Our advice: look around first

At a new playground, take a quick lap: broken parts, glass in the sandpit, where the fence ends and how close the road is. If something is broken, tell the municipality, which usually has a fault report form on its website.