If you have or are expecting twins, one thing you need to consider is what your plan is for playground safety. Picture it: You meet some friends with similar-aged toddlers and small children at the local park for a playdate. While your friends are laughing and enjoying their 1-on-1 time with their toddler (singular) your toddler rwins are both running in different directions and simultaneously choosing to dive off of opposite ends of the play structure. Before this becomes a reality for you, here is some advice for playground safety.
First of all, the best advice I can give for an enjoyable trip to the playground that includes keeping your twins safe is that you shouldn’t do it alone. If at all possible, bring along their aunt, grandma, neighbor, daddy, a mother’s helper, or one of your friends with older or no children. It is really hard to watch 2 toddlers at the same time on your own, especially if the playground is already overrun by active older children.
Of course, you don’t have to take help with you. If you plan to navigate the perilous playground environment on your own, choose a playground with age-appropriate equipment. Most public parks have separate play structures for older and young ages of children. According to the consumer product safety commission, these areas should have clear signage so that you know if it is an area that is just right for your child’s still-developing play abilities.
You may also want to pay careful attention to whether the age-separated play structures are in the same play area or if they are separated by a buffer like benches or shrubbery. For a trip to the playground with toddler twins and your older children, it is more convenient when they can all play in the same area. But for safety’s sake, you will want to look for playgrounds that are set up in such a way that there are obstacles to limit older children from barreling at full speed through the play area of the younger children.
Fenced-in playgrounds are another great option. In our neighborhood, the “ages 2-5” play area is fenced, with an “ages 5-12” play structure right next to it. This works great if you just have the toddler twins, because it is very likely that you won’t want a fence separating you and your toddlers from your older children. I prefer fenced-in playgrounds because my girls are used to being in a small apartment all day, so if given the opportunity to run free they will definitely take it!
Did you know that you can also take your kids to the local school playground? Most schools are open until dusk for various sports and after-school programs. I am almost positive that you can just walk on to any school ground after school hours and use the playground, which works great because the school is gated and fenced. Don’t feel silly, try it out before you dis the idea (yes, I said “dis”. And yes, I’m still living in the ’90’s.).
The next time you are thinking to yourself, “I can’t take my kids out. It’s not safe to go to the playground without another adult to help me,” take my advice and give one of these suggestions a try.
Do you have another great playground safety tip? I’d love to hear it!