The parents came rushing into the ER with their daughter, who was crying - she and mom had gone down the slide together - and the little girl's leg had gotten pinned.
Here's what happened next - AND why I share it, so you can keep your family safe this summer!
Every summer, we ER doctors see a bump in playground-associated injuries. Here’s some you don’t always think about – and that can make a big difference for safety.
1. Slide Safety: Solo and Feet First
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Did you know sliding with your child on your lap can significantly increase the risk of leg fractures? If your child’s shoe or foot catches the edge of the slide, your added weight creates enough force to cause serious injury. Always encourage children to slide solo, feet-first, and seated.
Watch my short reel for a visual explanation and see exactly why sliding solo matters: Watch Here
2. Dress Right for Play
Choose play-friendly clothing without drawstrings, necklaces, or scarves—these can get caught on playground equipment, posing choking or strangulation hazards. Footwear should be secure, closed-toe, and supportive to reduce slipping and tripping incidents.
3. Know height risks by age
Falls are an extremely common playground injury (and the #1 cause of non-fatal ER visits for children). But the exact height matters. As ER doctors, we consider it a “significant” fall if it’s above 3 feet for children under 2, and above 5 feet for children older than 2. So, be aware of these heights, and especially careful if your littles are on play structures higher than this!
4. Always Actively Supervise (and yes, that means climb up with them)
Accidents happen QUICKLY – your child runs in front of a moving swing or rotating toy, or they just step badly and fall off the edge of a structure. So – especially for the littles ones – accompany them throughout the playground. YES, this may mean climbing up the structure with them – you’ll be grateful when your little stunt devil tries to levitate by walking off the edge of the climbing structure, and you’re close enough to grab them *just* in time!
5. Beware of Hot Equipment
Sunny days can turn slides and swings into dangerously hot surfaces. Touch playground equipment with your hand first to ensure it’s safe for your child’s delicate skin. If it feels hot to you, it’s too hot for them – and is definitely hot enough to make for a sad ending to your playground time!
