Monkey bars are fun for children of all ages, but if they aren’t careful, they can be a recipe for disaster, causing broken bones and grazes. It is imperative that you teach your children how to stay safe on monkey bars and provide them with a safe monkey bar space to enjoy. How do you do this? By following our five ways to keep your children safe on monkey bars. Our methods include choosing the right set for your space and supervising them constantly to ensure they are safe. Keep reading to see how you can keep your children safe today.
Choose The Right Monkey Bar Set
First, you need to ensure you are choosing the right monkey bar set for your children. You will want a high-quality set that provides durability and keeps your little ones safe. When choosing a monkey bar set, look for those made from solid steel or treated wood, as these will stand the test of time. When choosing your monkey bar set, you will want to ensure that it comes with an anchoring kit that anchors it securely to the ground. You can purchase anchoring sets separately, but we recommend purchasing a monkey bar set with one included so you know it will keep the bars locked in place.
You can also consider the design of the monkey bar set. Where possible, opt for modular sets that can be adjusted as your children grow. Modular designs allow you to adjust the height and add accessories where needed, making them fun for your children for years.
Ensure You Have The Right Space In Your Backyard
Before setting up monkey bars in your garden, check that you have the space for one. Monkey bars typically need a 2-meter clearance around them, preventing your child from hitting other play equipment, walls, and fences. You should also place monkey bars over grass, rubber mats, sand, or mulch to provide a soft landing zone. These materials will absorb the impact if your child falls, reducing the severity of their injuries.
Your monkey bars also need to be placed over level ground, sitting flat and secure. This prevents your children from tripping over the monkey bars and from them moving while they are being used.
Teach Your Children Safety Techniques
To keep your children safe on the monkey bars, it is worth teaching them some safety techniques, especially if they have never used monkey bars before. You will want to provide them with the following guidance:
Swinging Foundation
Start by teaching your children the swinging foundations they need, by teaching them to hang first and master this before they attempt swinging. For this, they will need to be taught to wrap their thumbs around the bars for a secure hold and work on their upper body strength. You can try exercises like push-ups, climbing, and crawling to improve their upper body strength and make hanging easier.
Swinging and Landing Techniques
When they master hanging, you can teach them how to safely swing and land. Controlled swinging is key here, with slow and steady swings that help them remain in control. Encourage your children to bend their knees to help absorb any shock if they drop or let go of the bars. You should also teach them how to release the bars intentionally instead of slipping and losing control.
Age-appropriate Fun
You also want to ensure that your child is playing correctly for their age. Monkey bars are fun for children of all ages, but there are considerations you need to make for your children. For toddlers and young children, they should start with low bars, and you can encourage them to hang with your assistance.
Children aged five to seven can practice basic swinging, but they will need a safe drop zone that won’t cause injuries. Older children can practice advanced moves like skipping bars once they have mastered the basics.
Supervise Your Children At All Times
Regardless of your child’s age, they must be supervised at all times. Supervising your children ensures they are behaving correctly and playing safely. Constant supervision also allows you to intervene before an accident happens, keeping your children safe and preventing serious injuries.
When supervising your children, make them aware of any ground rules when playing on the monkey bars. They should avoid standing on top of the bars, recklessly jumping, and crowding other children. You will want to teach them to share the monkey bars and consider setting time limits when you have multiple children playing on them.
Check The Monkey Bars Regularly
You will want to check the monkey bars regularly, too, ensuring they are safe for your children. Check all the bolts, bars, and connections regularly. You want everything secure and stable, tightening any loose bolts you find.
You will want to wipe down metal bars, too, preventing rust. This should be done after any wet weather, and you might want to consider treating them to prevent rust during the winter months. As your children grow, you can upgrade the monkey bars, adjusting the height and adding accessories where needed.
Find Your New Monkey Bars Today
Providing you follow our safety suggestions, you can keep your children safe and ensure they have hours of playtime outdoors. When choosing your monkey bars, check out Vuly, which offers an impressive range. There is a size and design to suit everyone, so why not buy your Vuly monkey bars today?
