Playgrounds are essential spaces for children's physical and social development. However, to ensure an enjoyable and incident-free experience, it is important to be aware of and apply some safety measures.

1. Check playground equipment - Even though we are talking about the parks in the capital city, it does not mean that all playground equipment is safe and may not sometimes put children's safety at risk.

•     Visual inspection: Before allowing your child to use the playground equipment, it is important to take a look at the swings, slides and other equipment to make sure they are in good condition and free from visible defects that could cause injury to children.
•     Quality materials: Make sure the equipment is made of durable and safe materials, such as strong plastic and rust-free metal. It's important that the swing doesn't fall over if pushed harder, or that other materials aren't sharp around the corners. 
•     Soft surfaces: Check that the playground has cushioning surfaces, such as sand, rubber or bark, under tall equipment to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall.

2. Active supervision from parents or carers

It is fine for toddlers to be independent and play on their own, but this doesn't mean you have to forget about them at the playground. We recommend staying relatively close to your child and observing them as they play. Active supervision is essential to intervene quickly in case of danger. There may also be a risk that a stranger may have inappropriate intentions towards your child, which is why you need to pay extra attention to the adults with whom they interact.

Moreover, it is good to be aware of your child's physical abilities and limitations.  Encourage your child to play on equipment appropriate to their age and size.

3. Education and instructions

•     Teach your child basic rules: Explain to your child the importance of following safety rules, such as using equipment correctly, avoiding pushing and running in crowded spaces or where younger children are around.
•     Open communication: Encourage your child to let you know immediately if they notice anything unsafe or feel uncomfortable.

4. Accident prevention

•     Appropriate clothing: Make sure your little one is wearing appropriate clothing that cannot snag on play equipment. Footwear with non-slip soles is recommended to prevent slips. Furthermore, short clothing may prove ineffective if your child wants to go down the slide on a hot day. 
•     Sunscreen: On sunny days, apply sunscreen and make sure your little one wears a hat and sunglasses to protect from UV rays.

5. Emergency management

•     First-aid kit: We recommend having a first-aid kit on hand in case your child gets hurt. This should include bandages, antiseptic, sterile compresses, leucoplast and other basic materials.
•     Know first aid techniques: Familiarize yourself with basic first aid techniques and make sure you know how to react in an emergency.

Keeping children safe at the playground is essential to give them an enjoyable and incident-free experience. By following these tips and maintaining careful supervision, parents can ensure a safe and fun play environment for their little ones. Encouraging responsible behavior and safe habits will contribute to children's healthy and happy development.

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