The majority of children dream of owning a slide. However, it's not always easy to find a model suitable for the little ones. Although the primary goal is to entertain them, parents also need to consider numerous safety parameters.
The slide is a potentially dangerous toy. Therefore, for safety reasons, the main criterion to consider is the age of its future users. In principle:
- for younger children, the structure should feature a reduced height and slope;
- between 2 and 4 years old, it's better to choose a very simple model with a secure sliding area (protected by handrails or safety bars);
- for children under 4 years old, it is preferable to choose a model no taller than 1.08 m in height, with a sufficiently wide and gently inclined sliding area;
- for 4 to 10-year-olds, the slopes can be steeper and the sliding areas with double or triple waves.
A slide can notably be spiral shaped as well as single, double, or triple waved. To make a good choice, it is necessary to find the best model to liven up the playtime dedicated to sliding. For optimal safety, it is strongly advised to opt for equipment equipped with:
- non-slip steps;
- handrails at the steps level;
- safety bars or handrails along the entire sliding area.
The assembly of the structure is often easy and quick. Generally, it is sold as a kit and the instructions are provided with the product.
However, the structure must be:
- set up on a flat and stable surface;
- installed on a lawn or any other soft surface to protect children in case of a fall;
- used only after establishing some basic rules with the children (for example: not to slide headfirst or not to stand on the sliding area).
A good model notably offers:
- great stability, ensuring the safety of children and the peace of mind for parents;
- a safe play area;
- a significant slide length for the greatest joy of the players;
- a ladder that is suitable for little ones.
Beyond the fun aspect, the choice of a slide should primarily be based on various safety criteria. This type of equipment is governed by the EN 1176-3 standard applied to playground flooring and equipment. Moreover, it's better to favor anti-slip models for the younger ones.
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