There are several factors to consider when choosing playground equipment. These are Safety, Expense, Size, Durability, and Age Appropriateness.

Safety

• Safety means the children will not get hurt while using the equipment. Some safety features include railings padded with foam, well-guarded edges to prevent children from falling, and sturdy materials to accommodate a variety of weights.

Expense

• Look at your budget. It is necessary to purchase playground equipment that is not too expensive but can serve its purpose in child development.
• Second-hand equipment can be a great way to save on costs. As long as the equipment is structurally sturdy, you can always make the appearance look new again.
• Check out this article on how to restore plastic play equipment.

Size/Scale

• The size of the equipment must fit the playground or area in order to be fully useful and safe.
• It should also conform to the needs and requirements of children using the equipment.
• Scale refers to the space equipment takes up, plus the area around it needed to safely use said equipment.

Durability

• Playground equipment must be durable to ensure a long life, less maintenance, and safety of the users.
• An equipment’s durability goes hand-in-hand with the cost. It’s often better to spend a little more than to have a piece of equipment break after a few weeks.

Age Appropriate

• Choose age-appropriate equipment. injuries tend to happen more often and more seriously when children are allowed to use equipment that is too advanced for them.
• Remember the three age categories you’ll most often find for playground equipment. These are 2 years old and below, 2 – 5 years old, and 5 – 12 years old.

Final Thoughts and Considerations

• Choosing new playground equipment and toys for your little one is an important decision.
• There are many things to consider, and countless added benefits from choosing the right piece of equipment and toy.