Slide: From what age and what do they learn from it?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 23, 2023

Slides are one of the most popular playground equipment for children. But how does a slide actually work? And why are they so popular?

A slide is a piece of play equipment that allows children to slide from a height. Slides consist of a slippery track that children slide down. They are popular with children because they are fun to play on and they are their motor skills develop.

In this article I will tell you all about slides and how they work.

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Slide: a popular playground equipment for children

A slide is a piece of play equipment that consists of a slippery track that children can slide down. It is a popular playground equipment in playgrounds, swimming pools and other places where children can enjoy themselves. Slides come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from narrow slanting strips to large towers with multiple slides.

Types of slides

There are different types of slides, including:

• Straight slides: These slides are straight and usually have an elevated starting point and a lower ending point.
• Round slides: These slides are round and usually rotate on their axis as you slide down.
• Covered slides: these slides are covered and offer extra protection against sun and rain.
• Water Slides: These slides are intended to be used with water, such as in swimming pools and water parks.

How does a slide work?

A slide works by gravity. If you are at the top of the slide and slide down, gravity will make you go down. The smooth surface of the slide ensures that you slide down easily.

Safety

While slides are fun to play on, it's important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips for playing safely on a slide:

• Please wear appropriate clothing, such as shorts and t-shirt, to prevent clothing from getting caught on the slide.
• Do not slide down the slide with more than one person at a time.
• Do not slide your head down, sitting or lying on your stomach.
• Make sure that the slide is not too slippery, for example due to rain or ice.
• Make sure the slide is firmly attached to the bottom and that there are no sharp edges.

Interactive slides

Nowadays there are also interactive slides, such as the robocoaster and dark ride. These slides are equipped with technology that makes the ride even more exciting. For example, you can determine the speed and direction yourself or you will be surprised by light and sound effects along the way.

What can children learn from playing on a slide?

Slides are a great way for kids to develop coordination and stability. As they climb the stairs and slide down, they must keep their balance and control their body. This can be especially helpful for younger children who are still developing their motor skills.

Overcome fears

For some children, climbing a slide and sliding down can be a scary experience. But by helping them overcome their fears and encouraging them to try, they can learn to deal with their fears and challenge themselves to try new things.

Improving social skills

Slides are often a popular place for children to play together. By playing together on a slide, children can learn to share, wait their turn and be considerate of others. This can help develop their social skills and teach them how to deal with different personalities and behaviors.

Strengthening parent-child relationships

Slides also provide a great opportunity for parents to play together with their children. Playing together on a slide allows parents and children to bond and spend quality time. This can also help develop the child's trust in the parent and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

Improving overall development

Playing on a slide can also promote a child's overall development. By climbing, sliding and playing on a slide, children can improve their physical skills, stimulate their creativity and develop their imagination. All of these can contribute to the overall development of the child.

In short, slides offer many benefits for children of all ages. Whether it's developing motor skills, overcoming fears or improving social skills, there are plenty of ways children can learn and grow through playing on a slide. It is important to ensure that the slide is safe and that children are always supervised by an adult before playing.

From what age can children safely go down a slide?

Children learn through play and a slide is one of the most popular play equipment in playgrounds. But from what age can children safely go down a slide? The answer depends on the development of the child.

From what age can children go down a slide?

In general, children from 6 months old can already sit on a slide, but it does not mean that they can immediately slide down the slide. It is important to wait until the child can sit fully unassisted and stand on their own before allowing them to play on a slide.

Why is it important to wait?

Waiting until the child can sit fully and stand independently helps to prevent accidents. It gives the child time to get used to the play equipment and to learn how to keep their balance.

Other factors to consider

In addition to the age of the child, there are other factors to consider before letting your child play on a slide. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure the child is always supervised by an adult.
• Place the slide on a flat surface and secure it securely.
• Regularly check that the slide is in good condition and free of sharp edges or cracks.
• Do not let the child play with other products on the slide, such as balls or boards.
• Teach the child to be careful not to climb or slide backwards.

What to look for when buying a slide?

If you want to buy a slide for your children, there are a number of things you should pay attention to before purchasing. Below you will find the most important points to take into account:

• Ages: Slides are generally intended for children from 2 years old. Take a good look at the age indication of the slide before you buy it.
• Height: The height of the slide is important to determine whether it is suitable for your child. A slide that is too high can be dangerous if your child falls. Almost all slides have a height between 1 and 2 meters.
• Safety: Safety is of course the most important thing when purchasing a slide. Make sure that the slide is sufficiently stable and cannot tip over. Make sure that the slide is equipped with ground anchors so that it does not fall over. In addition, it is smart to see whether there are any additional safety features, such as a water function to keep the slide wet and thus reduce the risk of slipping.
• Types of slides: There are different types of slides available, such as a water slide, foldable slides and slides with an extra water function. Consider in advance which type of slide best suits your preferences and budget.
• Size: The size of the slide is also important to consider. How much space do you have available to place the slide? Make sure you measure the dimensions of the slide beforehand, so that you are sure that it will fit where you want to place it.
• Models: There are many different models of slides available. Some are very tall and need a lot of space, while others are less tall and therefore more suitable for smaller gardens. Consider in advance which model best suits your needs.
• Budget: How much money do you want to spend on the slide? Cheap and more expensive models are available. Think about your budget in advance, so that you can search specifically for a slide that falls within your price range.

A safe slide for children is of great importance

As a parent, you naturally want your child to be able to play safely on a slide. When purchasing a slide, it is first of all important to take into account the age of your child. For the little ones, from about 6 months, special slides are available that are low to the ground and offer extra support. For older children, the slide may be higher, but it must offer sufficient stability.

Placement and space

When placing a slide, it is important to take into account the space around it. Make sure there is enough space to play and that the slide is not too close to any trees or other obstacles. In addition, it is important to place the slide on a flat surface so that it cannot fall over.

Extra security measures

There are many factors that contribute to the safety of a slide. For example, it is useful to see if there are any additional safety measures, such as a handy opening on the side of the slide that your child can hold on to. It is also important to look at the dimensions of the slide and whether it is suitable for the age of your child.

Advice on purchase

When purchasing a slide, it is important to take a good look at the guidelines and advice of the company where you buy the slide. This way you can determine which slide best suits your situation and which additional parts you may need. You can also ask for personal advice and look for experiences of other parents.

Conclusion

Slides are a great play equipment for children to develop their coordination and stability. It's a fun way to teach experimentation and stimulate their creativity and imagination. It is important to ensure safety and to make sure an adult is present when they play with it.

So if you have a slide or have a child playing with it, be extra vigilant that they are safe.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.