It’s time! Baby is older and wiser than they were a few months ago, and they are finally ready for the playground. This colorful land of fun holds tons of opportunities for pictures and memories, but before you pack up the stroller, here are a few playground safety rules.
Watch ’em
Hey, you know this one! You could probably write this paragraph yourself. Baby doesn’t need your eyes on them all the time (that’s how you get those amazing four hours of sleep every night), but you definitely need to watch them very carefully at the playground at this age. Being aware of Baby and their surroundings can help you avoid little mishaps.
Catch ’em
When you’re close to Baby, you’re there to push them on the swing, dig with them in the sandbox, and catch them on the slide. At 10 months, it’s possible that Baby is ready to go down the slide by themself, but use your best judgement and stick to the smallest slide for now. You can also go down with Baby if they are not quite ready for a solo slide.
Cushion ’em
This is actually the playground’s job. Look for a playground with a shock-absorbing surface like rubber, synthetic turf, sand, or mulch. If you played on any asphalt, dirt, grass, or concrete as a child, you’ll know exactly why these shock-absorbing materials are a little better for playtime. But even with the softest ground, accidents still happen. It’s a good idea to have a basic first-aid kit on hand in case someone needs a bandage (and a kiss) administered to a bruised knee.
Dress ’em
One of the first steps to safety is being prepared. Dress yourself and Baby in clothes that are playground-ready. That means no dangling jewelry, scarves, or clothing with drawstrings (they can get caught on playground equipment or potentially pose a choking hazard). You should dress for the weather too, making sure that nobody is too hot or too cold while out on the playground.
