Everyone needs a fun little playtime break now and again, especially your kids. One of the most amazing things about being a parent is seeing just how much boundless energy can be packed into such a small frame, and there’s nothing quite like seeing your kids’ joyful faces as they’re running around.
Of course, part of a parent’s job is to keep your kids safe while they’re running around or outside. Some accidents can’t be helped, but there are definitely ways that you can keep playtime safe. Keep reading below for some top tips!
Tips to Keep Playtime Safe
Keep Cabinets & Cords Secure
Cabinets and cords pose huge risks to your kids, especially if they have a bit of an explorer streak. The trick is to be proactive and protect them against these risks. Kiscords’ cord safety locks are easily adjustable and can be removed by one hand. Although these locks work for double-door cabinets, the benefit is that they can be reused. You can also opt for magnetic locks to use in a range of cabinets. This will ensure that your kids can’t open cabinets at ground level.
For cords, you can opt for cord shorteners to keep the risk of tripping minimized. Cord protectors also work well for this task, just be sure to make sure these protectors are secure and can’t be easily ripped out!
Ensure the Stroller has Proper Sun Protection
The outdoors is the best play area for kids. And while it’s good to be outside, you must make sure your kids are protected with hats and sunglasses — and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen!
This tip holds true even for those taking their toddlers out for quick a stroll. Yet, while it is all good and well to keep reapplying sunscreen, if your stroller doesn’t have adequate sun protection, your efforts could be for nothing, and you will put your kids at an increased risk of sun damage.
This is why iCandy’s lightweight single strollers demonstrate how some models now come with the option to add accessories, like parasols for more sun protection, on top of the regular sun covers. While it may seem like an added investment, ensuring that your stroller fully protects your child from the sun, whether on the move or at a standstill, will reduce any chance of sunburn or skin damage from UV rays. Having an attached basket in tow also lets you bring your sunscreen and gear with no fuss, which is perfect for parents with a bigger brood.
Double-check Toy Safety
There are lots of baby toys to choose from, so much so that it can be difficult to know which ones to rely on. To help make these decisions easier, Parents writer Nancy Rones recommends the toilet paper rule: if a toy is small enough to fit into a toilet paper roll, it may pose a choking hazard to your kids.
When playing with electric toys, be sure to ensure the battery compartment is safely closed. Many toys run on small coin-sized batteries, which can prove lethal if swallowed. You can opt to secure battery locks with additional tape, too.
Keep Playtime Restricted to Certain Areas
When playing at home, a good rule of thumb is to keep play restricted to specific areas. Whether it’s in the living room or your kids’ rooms, securing the area by closing doors and putting barriers up keeps them safe in your line of sight.
If your space allows, you may want to move furniture around as well to give your kids a bit more wiggle room and ample space to walk around. Just remember to thoroughly clean the area before you start playtime to ensure that there’s no trash or dust that hands-on kids can pick up.
The previous blog post How to Help Your Kids Sleep Better underscores the importance of proper rest in order for them to grow big and strong. The flip side of that equation is that they need lots of stimulating play, too.
By following the tips listed above, kids can have a fun and safe playtime.
(This article was written and contributed by Zara Heath)
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