Playing on a swing set can be a whole lot of fun for children. But again, it can also pose some safety risks. That’s why as a parent, you must ensure that your child is safe whenever they are playing outdoors on their play set.

Every year, playgrounds cause hundreds of avoidable injuries. With a dedication to oversight and  perseverance with maintenance methods, the majority, if not all, can be avoided. The same fundamental safety precautions must be taught and followed whether your child uses swing sets in your garden or public areas. Your kid will be less likely to get hurt or have an accident when they learn how to use the playground safely.

Here are swing set safety measures that can help you keep your kids safe

1. Buy the right swing set that suits your children’s ages

Naturally, the swings are the centerpiece of (most) swing sets; without them, a fort, clubhouse, or slide would suffice. You could be tempted to spend less money by purchasing a set that will grow with your children, but if you still have young children, that may not be the best course of action. Consider adding an infant seat to your set if you still have babies or toddlers. When your child grows, you can convert it into a toddler swing, which functions as a sturdy booster seat on a swing for your
toddler.

This can function as an infant swing (securely holding your infant in place). Ensure your infant or toddler swing is positioned high enough so the child cannot get into it on their own. To accommodate your children’s growing heights, you should also modify the height of your belt swings. They don’t have to be at the exact same height. Just ensure that even the lowest swings have the lowest point at least eight inches off the ground.

2. Don’t buy a taller swing set for your children’s height

There are numerous best swing sets available in a variety of heights. Although you might be tempted to buy the best you can afford right away, hoping it would last your children their entire lives, it is not always the wisest choice.

If the children are young, getting one of the simpler sets and upgrading to a better, more complex one once they are large enough to safely access the upper level is usually recommended. The height of your set and the number of slides correspond. When deciding the length of the slides for the play set you select, you must consider your children’s ages and heights. This is crucial for younger, less confident children who require support from their parents while they go down a slide.

3. Make sure that you put a fall surface.

A safe surface must be laid beneath and around the swing set for it to be safe. There are plenty of materials that you can use underneath the swing set, including rubber mats, rubber mulch, sand, wood chips, pea gravel, etc. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission advises against grass or turf because they cannot absorb shock. Never put up a swing set on a concrete or asphalt surface.

4. Make sure that the swing set is installed properly.

One of the crucial steps in creating a safe playground for your kids at home is correctly setting it up. When installing your swing set, ensure the area is clear of any objects that could harm you, such as debris, tree stumps, standing water, and other materials. Once the swing set is installed, ensure all the screws are well-tightened. Of course, the last thing you want is your child falling and hurting themselves just because the swing set was not installed properly.

5. Teach the kids to swing and set rules to follow.

You must also teach your children best swing set rules that can help keep them safe. For instance, they should avoid standing in front of or behind swings that are in motion. Encourage children not to play with loose structural components like ropes or other random ground debris. Inform kids about the risks of swing jumping and forbid them from doing it.

Standing on swings can make the children fall. Utilizing a single swing twice at once might strain the swing and increase the risk of accidents. Encourage kids to use swings only once they are properly seated and have their two hands on the chains for support. When a young child is using playground equipment, they should never be left alone. A close eye and prompt first aid can distinguish between a minor cut and a trip to the hospital. Only use swing seats that can fully recline when entertaining newborns and young children.

6. Properly maintain the swing set.

Any playground area and equipment should undergo routine inspections to maintain an appropriate safety standard. Before and after your child uses the swing set, you should ideally assess its condition. Regular maintenance should include tightening loose hooks and bolts and replacing worn materials. To avoid cuts and scrapes:

• Cover any exposed screws.
• Ensure that the depth of the protective surface you have chosen is still sufficient; if it is
  undermined by loose material, replace the surface.
• Make sure that the structure is durable and stable all year long, and if you can, take extra care
  to shield the materials from bad weather.

7. Supervise the children when playing

If your children are using the equipment, you need to watch over them. You should closely monitor more active and young your children. This is especially true for infants and young children, who require your undivided attention.

You might not need to be as active in your supervision if your children are older. However, it does help if you put up your swing set somewhere you can watch the children easily like outside the kitchen window. Check out more blogs such as “what is the best material to put under your swing set” or “what is a maintenance free swing set”