A Guide to Playground Etiquette

Act Your Age

Not all playground equipment is made for all kids. In fact, most injuries happen when children fall off equipment designed for older kids. These guidelines will keep your little one safe.

• Children 5 to 12 have the arm strength and muscle coordination to play on horizontal bars, climbing equipment, swings, seesaws, and tall slides.
• Kids 2 to 5 are weaker and have a higher center of gravity than older children, so look for equipment with small steps and short railings. Safe choices include crawl tunnels, tot swings, flexible spring rockers, and slides that are no taller than 4 feet.
• Children 2 and under really don't belong on regular playgrounds. Instead, look for a specially designed toddler playground with infant-safe swings.

Source: National Program for Playground Safety at the University of Northern Iowa.

Copyright ? 2006. Reprinted with permission from the April 2006 issue of Parents magazine.