Where to Play

When it’s chilly, rainy, or snowing, it can make getting outside seem daunting — and, OK, downright messy. But when you ask parents to stock their kids’ cubbies with weather-appropriate attire (and, of course, an extra change of clothes just in case), it makes it that much easier to make sure they have some fresh air and outdoor play time every day, no matter what the weather.

Even rainy days can be a riot when kids bring in rain boots and a raincoat (with a hood or rain hat). As long as there’s no thunder or lightning, let ’em splash in the puddles. And snow days can be a blast if they have snow-proof pants, coats, mittens, hats, and scarves to keep them cozy.

Sure, they could (and probably will) get a little wet or muddy — and that’s a lot of extra garb and accessories to worry about putting on and taking off. And, of course, you’ll have some kids who get too wet, too cold, etc. But when you plan ahead for all of that, you’ll be surprised at how much better both you and the kids feel when you’re able to get out and enjoy some fresh air, instead of being cramped up inside. Just be prepared with your own weather-appropriate wear.

When it’s hot out, ask parents to bring in sunscreen — they should apply it at home before drop-off and you’ll need to reapply during the day.

Also, keep kids hydrated. Have each toddler and preschooler bring their own personal labeled water bottles outside so they can keep drinking up while playing and avoid getting overheated. And be sure to watch for any signs of heat illness.

Learn more about how to look for the signs of heat illness.

It’s always good to go the extra mile to look around and make sure everything’s OK where the kids are playing.

For outside play areas, check to see that:

• sidewalks and stairways are clear of concrete cracks or missing pieces
• garbage cans are securely covered
• swing set/playground parts are free of rust, splinters, and sharp edges
• parts on swing sets or other outdoor equipment are securely fastened
• the surface beneath the swing set/playground is soft enough to absorb the shock of a fall (cushioned with material like sand, mulch, wood chips, or approved rubber surfacing mats)

For babies and toddlers, you need to take childproofing one step further by getting down on your hands and knees to see the surroundings from their position.

Look for tempting things that could harm them:

• electrical cords they could pull on (that could make things like hot glue guns or phones fall on their heads)
• electrical outlets they could stick their tiny digits into
• things they could pop in their mouths (buttons, coins)
• blind or curtain cords they could strangle on
• cabinets they could get into
  

For one, they don’t help infants learn to walk, as their name might imply. Once babies get moving in walkers, they can’t see what’s in front of them. This can lead to all kinds of injuries, especially when the walker and baby topple over together.

They’re so dangerous that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has even called for a ban on the manufacturing and sale of baby walkers with wheels.