By: Shanna McGinnis, MD, FAAP
School is almost out and that means kids will spend more time playing in the backyard. There are some safety tips to consider to construct a play area that will be both fun and safe. Hopefully, these recommendations will allow your children to create summer memories rather than summer injuries.
Home Playground Equipment
Home playground sets allow children to enjoy a park-like setting in their own backyard. After purchasing a set, make sure you read all of the instructions and warnings prior to assembling and installing it. If your budget allows, hire a professional to do this for you. Place caps over screws and bolts. During the installation process, consider what type of protective surface you will use under the play set. Less than 10% of home playground equipment is installed with a shock-absorbing surface. This is likely why about 70% of injuries associated with home playground equipment occur as the result of a fall onto a non-protective surface. Grass or dirt is not considered a protective surface. Instead, try using a loose-fill material like mulch, sand, gravel, or shredded tires. Other options include rubber mats or tiles. Be sure to extend your protective surface at least 6 feet in all directions around the play equipment. Also consider the height of the play set. A taller set is more likely to result in a longer fall and a more serious injury.
Sand Boxes
Sand boxes are another common addition to backyard play areas. If you are constructing your own sandbox, be sure to use non-toxic landscaping lumbar and smooth the surface with sandpaper to reduce the risk of splinters. Fill the sandbox with natural river sand or beach sand. Avoid sand products that may contain crushed limestone, marble, or quartz. Also, cover the sandbox when it is not in use. This will help keep pets or other animals from using it as a litter box. Be sure to allow the sand to dry out prior to covering. Wet sand can foster bacteria or fungus growth. Periodically rake the sand to remove any debris or other materials that collect in the sand.
Trampolines
Trampolines seem like lots of fun, but they account for around 100,000 injuries annually in the United States. Injuries are not uncommon, even among trained athletes. These injuries range from minor bumps and bruises to fractures to spinal cord injuries and rarely, death. Most injuries result when more than one person uses the trampoline at a time and are most common in children under 6 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommend against using trampolines in a home environment. That being said, trampolines are common in backyards. If you choose to have a home trampoline, there are some safety precautions suggested by the AAP and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. First, only one person should jump at a time and there should be no jumpers under 6 years old. In order to enforce this rule, adult supervision is recommended at all times. There should be no flipping or somersaulting. Padding should be placed over the springs and a net enclosure should be used to minimize falls. It is important to note that these measures will not prevent injury. The recommendation is to choose an alternative activity or piece of play equipment.
Lawn Mowers
Keeping the backyard mowed is a big responsibility during the summer. Your older child may want to help out with this job to earn some extra allowance money, but there are some important things to keep in mind. The AAP recommends waiting until 12 years old to operate a push mower and 16 years old for a riding mower. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes should be worn when mowing as well as eye and ear protection. Children should never ride along with the operator of a riding mower. Teach younger children to pick toys up out of the yard so they do not get damaged by the lawnmower.
Don’t let summer turn into a bummer! Choose play equipment that will not only be fun, but safe, for your family. Teach your older children tips for safe mowing. When the final bell for summer break sounds, your backyard will be ready for safe play.