9 Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safe During Playtime

What are ways to keep playtime safe for my kids?

1. Provide a confined play space

2. Keep them hydrated

3. Weigh ability vs. age when buying new toys

4. Read the warning label

5. Avoid placing sharp items in play areas

6. Never leave small parts within reach

7. Cords, string, and ropes are a no-no

8. Be cautious about battery-operated toys

9. Always keep their play area tidy

Everyone needs some fun every now and then, especially your kids. One of the most enjoyable things about seeing your child grow is watching them explore and play with the boundless energy they have in their earlier years. There’s just nothing quite like hearing them laugh and seeing them smile during playtime.

But of course, like everything else in their childhood, it’s your job to safeguard them from injury. While the occasional spill and accident can’t be helped, there are definitely a few key ways to keep playtime as safe as possible. Keep reading to find out what they are!

Provide a confined play space

While older children can play on their own or at a friend’s house, it’s best to keep younger kids in a confined play space. This will prevent them from wandering off and will ensure that they’re always within your line of sight. 

If you don’t have a room that you can transform into a playroom, you can restrict their playtime to specific areas by closing off other rooms or putting up barriers. These barriers can be as simple as a chair or box that they can’t yet climb over. 

Keep them hydrated

Even if they’re just playing in your home, it’s easy for kids to get dehydrated with all the running, talking, laughing, and even screaming that tends to happen during playtime. So, you must make it a point to have them take short breaks to drink water while they’re playing. Do this every 20-30 minutes if they’re being particularly energetic. This will also help them cool down if they get too worked up. 

Be aware of the signs of dehydration, which are a dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and lethargy. 

Weigh ability vs. age when buying new toys

Before buying any new toys for your kids, you should consider whether it’s appropriate for their age and current abilities. Generally, there are guides that you can follow to figure out what kinds of toys will mesh well with their abilities and age. These follow toy instructions and guidelines as a reference so that they can help you pick out options that are both safe and stimulating. 

For example, our age guide recommends toys like this 2-in-1 Maracas and Rattle for babies as young as 6 to 12 months, our tea set for 2 to 3-year-olds, and our Ride-On Spin World for 4 to 5-year-olds. 

But, always refer to what you know about your child and how they behave before making your judgment. As a parent, only you know if they’re truly ready to play with more complicated toys.

Read the warning label

That said, always double-check if the toys you are considering come with warning labels. Even simple toys do. These labels will indicate the recommended age for children to play with them, and if ever they have potential hazards. It’s common to see terms like “choking hazard” and the like when you’re looking at toys like building blocks, action figures, and other toys that are common for children ages 3-6. 

If you do end up buying these toys, heed these warnings and be sure to keep a close eye on your kids during playtime to avoid accidents or injury. 

Avoid placing sharp items in play areas

No doubt when you see the word “sharp,” you’re thinking of things like scissors, knives, and the like. And, with that in mind, you’re probably thinking “of course I know to keep those away from my children.” But, when we talk about sharp objects in this scenario, we don’t just mean items with blades or prongs.

Rather, we’re talking about any item with a “protruding” part. Though these parts may seem blunt compared to a knife, these still pose a threat to your kids, especially if they accidentally fall onto it.

For example, a seemingly harmless sippy cup can bruise your kid or hurt their eye if they fall face-first onto it. So, take the time to remove anything with protruding parts or edges from your kid’s play area. 

Never leave small parts within reach

Likewise, never leave small parts within their reach. Especially in their younger years, children love to explore things with their mouths. While this is important for their sensory development, this could lead to them choking on something like a marble or a hair tie if they get their hands on one during playtime. 

Comb over your play area for anything your child could fit in their mouth. Even household items and balls of lint or empty wrappers should be taken out of their reach. And, check any small toys they have. They could also end up inside their mouth the moment you take your eyes off them.

Cords, string, and ropes are a no-no

Laptop chargers, TV cords, phone wires, strings, and anything rope-like is common hazards for your kids. These may be all over your home, and your curious children can trip on or accidentally get wrapped up around a cord or rope when you're not looking. 

When preparing your play area, make sure these things are either tucked away safely or tied up so that they’re too short to be a strangling or tripping hazard for your kid. Even some children’s toys and clothes have cords that you should be cautious of. 

Be cautious about battery-operated toys

Use your judgment here, but some battery-operated toys can become very hot when they’re used for a long time. If you want to let your kid play with these kinds of toys, try to get them to switch to another toy or turn it off after an hour or two to prevent overheating.

The same goes for the kinds of toys with battery compartments. Your child can quickly open this and get their hands on some batteries if you’re not paying attention! 

Always keep their play area tidy

Any parent knows that kids create messes like nobody’s business. That said, cleaning up should be part of your playtime routine. Encourage your kids to pack away their toys after they’re done playing. Bins and baskets are excellent ways to keep things packed away and organized.

And, make sure to clean any play mats, rugs, and surfaces around their play area thoroughly. While your child may not be particularly concerned with the state of these things when they play, germs, dust, and bacteria can still spread throughout these surfaces. Rugs and mats can be thrown in with your laundry, and surfaces can be cleaned with disinfectant wipes.

Key Takeaway

Because playtime is such an important part of their childhood, you have to make this experience as fruitful and as safe as can be. Use our nine recommended ways to keep playtime safe to prevent as many accidents and mishaps as you can, and keep your kids safe as they explore with their toys!