As parents, we want our children to experience the joys of childhood, and going down a slide together seems like a harmless and fun activity. Many of us have done it, placing our little ones on our laps as we slide down together, thinking it’s the safest way to enjoy the slide. However, recent research has shown that this seemingly innocent act can actually be dangerous for young children.
A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition in September 2017, and published later, revealed that children 5 years old and younger are at an increased risk of lower leg injuries, including broken bones, when riding a slide on another person’s lap. The study, led by Dr. Charles Jennissen, a clinical professor and pediatric emergency medicine staff physician at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, used data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to reach its conclusions.
The research found that from 2002 to 2015, over 350,000 children under 5 years old were injured on slides, with 36% of them sustaining broken bones. Toddlers aged 12 to 23 months were more likely to be injured than older children aged 3 to 5 years old, and they were also 12 times more likely to be placed on another person’s lap when injured. The authors of the study concluded that as children age, they are less likely to be placed on another person’s lap and injured on slides. They called on healthcare providers to be aware of the potential for such injuries, which often result in tibia (shinbone) fractures. The researchers also emphasized that a child’s foot can catch on the slide’s surface when they are in someone’s lap, increasing the risk of twisting, turning, and broken bones.
It’s important for parents to be aware of this research and understand the risks associated with sliding down with their child on their lap. Although it may seem like a fun and safe activity, it can actually lead to serious injuries. It’s understandable that parents may have done it in the past without knowing the risks, but now that we have this information, we can make more informed decisions.
As parents, we always want the best for our children and strive to keep them safe. But it’s not always easy to know what’s safe and what’s not, especially when it comes to seemingly innocent activities like going down a slide together. It’s natural to feel guilt or shame if you’ve done it in the past, but it’s important to remember that you were only having fun with your child and probably thought it was the safest way. The key now is to be informed and make safer choices in the future.
So, what can you do to ensure your child’s safety at the playground? Here are some tips:
- Avoid sliding down with your child on your lap: Based on the research, it’s best to avoid sliding down with your child on your lap. Let them go down the slide on their own if they are capable of doing so. If your child is too young or hesitant to go alone, consider finding age-appropriate slides or playground equipment that are safer for young children, such as smaller slides with low heights and gentle slopes.
- Supervise your child closely: Even if your child is sliding down on their own, it’s important to supervise them closely to ensure they are using the equipment safely. Make sure they are sitting properly, facing forward, and keeping their hands and feet inside the slide at all times.
- Educate your child about playground safety: Teach your child about playground safety rules, such as not climbing up the slide, not pushing
- Encourage independent sliding: Encourage your child to slide down the slide independently, without sitting on your lap. This allows them to develop their gross motor skills, learn how to balance and control their movements, and build confidence in their own abilities.
- Supervise closely: Always keep a close eye on your child while they are playing on the slide. Make sure they are using the slide properly, not climbing up the slide or going down headfirst, which can increase the risk of injuries.
- Teach safe sliding techniques: Teach your child how to slide safely by sitting upright, facing forward, and keeping their feet in front of them. Encourage them to hold onto the sides of the slide for stability and avoid sliding too fast or too close to other children.
- Use age-appropriate slides: Choose slides that are age-appropriate for your child’s developmental stage. Toddlers should use slides specifically designed for their age group, with low heights and gentle slopes, to reduce the risk of injuries.
- Educate caregivers: Make sure other caregivers, such as grandparents, babysitters, and friends, are aware of the risks of sliding with a child on their lap. Share the information and tips with them to ensure consistent safety measures are followed.
- Check the condition of the slide: Before your child goes down the slide, check for any damage or hazards, such as broken parts, sharp edges, or slippery surfaces. Report any issues to the appropriate authorities for repair or maintenance.
- Follow playground rules: Follow all posted rules and guidelines at the playground, including age recommendations, height restrictions, and safety warnings. These rules are in place to protect children and prevent accidents.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Accidents can happen despite taking precautions. Be prepared by knowing the location of the nearest first aid kit and emergency phone numbers. Learn basic first aid techniques, such as how to treat minor cuts, bruises, or sprains.
By following these tips and avoiding sliding with your child on your lap, you can help reduce the risk of injuries and ensure your child’s safety while they enjoy the playground. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to playground play, and being aware of the risks and taking appropriate measures can prevent accidents and keep your child safe.
