At present, kids are more attracted to gadgets than any other playthings. While it is true that this will keep them indoors, it could cause them harm than good. Staying with gadgets for an extended period is not good for their overall health. It could expose them to a high level of radiation and could negatively affect their cognitive development. As parents, we should encourage your kids to go out, breathe some air, and be active. You can install outdoor play equipment that will lure them into sliding, running, jumping, or swinging. Consider putting a few play equipment. Along with the setting up and installation, you also need to know how often should outdoor play equipment be inspected. This is to make sure the kids are safe while they play.
The Basic Types of Outdoor Play Equipment
Outdoor play equipment is beneficial for kids. Aside from helping them be active and divert their attention from gadgets, it will also be an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and increase cardiovascular engagement. It allows them to stretch their body to maintain flexibility. So, if you have outdoor play equipment at home or you plan to set up one in your backyard, you need to know how often should outdoor play equipment be inspected. This is to keep your kids safe while they play.
- Swing. The swing is one of the basic outdoor play equipment. It is a seat attached to a frame by a rope or chain. There are swings designed for toddlers, and there are also those that are designed for older kids. Kids will love the idea of being able to sway back and forth. The higher they can swing, the better they feel. Kids sometimes ask their playmates to push them so they can swing higher. Others want to swing themselves. As kids propel themselves to swing, they are developing their muscle coordination.
- Slides. In all playgrounds, you will always see a slide. This is because kids love the idea of climbing up and be on top then freely slide down. Slides can help kids develop their sense of balance as gravity pulls them down.
- Monkey bars. This type of equipment is like a ladder that is mounted horizontally overhead. This can help kids improve their posture as they reach to the bars and swing their body. It will also strengthen their muscles, as they transfer from one bar to another.
How to Maintain Outdoor Play Equipment
- Plan before Buying. Once you think of putting outdoor play equipment, you must have a place to put it. You must plan the arrangement, as well as the right equipment to buy. The usual play equipment you can place in your backyard are swing, monkey bars, and slides. But if you have limited space and want your child to be active, you can put one or two of them. Research for the right store to buy the equipment and learn how often should outdoor play equipment be inspected.
- Inspect. Safety should always be the top priority. Whatever the type of equipment you will buy, you must do regular inspections to ensure your kid’s safety. You have to make sure that the equipment is intact and in good condition. This is necessary, especially if your kids are using it every day. You can have the equipment checked once a month. But if you feel the need to conduct it more often, the better.
- Repair. Once you see any damage that could expose your kids to possible harm, you must repair it immediately. If the damage is too much for you to handle, you can call a technician or repair experts. Notify your kids not to use the equipment with damage. Quick action is also required once you spot damage to prevent it from worsening.
- Recheck. Rechecking and ensuring that the repair is done correctly is highly important. You should not only do the repair quickly, but you need to do it correctly as well. If you are hiring experts to repair, ask them what they have done and let them teach you the basics on damage control and why their method is necessary. With this, you will be able to get the idea of how often should outdoor play equipment be inspected.
- Right Time to Repair. When you have spotted the damage, the repair procedure needs to be scheduled. It must during the time where kids are less likely to play outdoors: when they are at school, or out for a field trip. If you are expecting an occasion, like a kids’ party, make sure to inspect and do the repair a week before the event, so you have ample time to double-check.
Conclusion
Outdoor play equipment provides kids a lot of benefits. It will make them set aside their gadgets for a while and play physically. Setting up play equipment in your backyard needs a lot of planning. You must search for a manufacturer that will sell and help you with maintenance and repair. You must know how often should outdoor play equipment be inspected, so you will know when to contact them in case of hard to repair play equipment. Get more tips on play pens.