Direct Answer
Toddler playground equipment should be low (max 1m height), simple, and focused on developing gross motor skills and sensory exploration. The best equipment includes low climbers, bucket swings, small slides, sensory play areas (sand, water), and natural materials. Safety is paramount—equipment must meet AS 4685 requirements for under-3s with appropriate fall zones and surfacing.
Understanding Toddler Development
Equipment should support what toddlers are learning:
- Gross motor: Walking, climbing, balancing (still developing)
- Fine motor: Grasping, pouring, manipulating
- Sensory: Exploring textures, sounds, movements
- Social: Parallel play (alongside, not with, others)
- Cognitive: Cause and effect, object permanence
Recommended Equipment Types
Climbing Equipment
- Low platforms: 30-60cm height for early climbers
- Wide steps: Easy to navigate with developing coordination
- Multiple access points: Ramps, steps, low climbs
- Handrails: At appropriate height for small hands
- Enclosed sides: Prevent falls from elevated areas
Swings
- Bucket seats: Full support for trunk and legs
- Low height: Easy for educators to assist
- Adequate spacing: Between swings and from other equipment
- Clear fall zones: Well-marked and maintained
Slides
- Low height: 60cm-1m platform maximum
- Wide, enclosed sides: Prevent rolling off
- Gentle slope: Not too fast
- Wide steps: With handrails for climbing
- Safe run-out area: Clear of obstacles
Sensory Play Elements
- Sand play: Low sandpit at accessible height
- Water play: Shallow troughs, pouring stations
- Tactile panels: Different textures to explore
- Natural materials: Logs, stumps, rocks (stable, non-tipping)
- Messy play: Mud kitchen appropriate for age
Movement and Balance
- Stepping stones: Low, close together, stable
- Balance beams: Very low (ground level for beginners)
- Gentle mounds: Small hills to climb and roll on
- Tunnels: Wide enough for easy crawling
- Spring rockers: Simple, low-movement options
Push and Pull
- Push-along toys: Sturdy walkers, carts
- Ride-on toys: Low, stable, foot-powered
- Paths: Smooth surfaces for wheeled toys
Safety Requirements
AS 4685 Requirements for Under-3s
- Fall height: Maximum 1m platform height recommended
- Entrapment: Smaller gaps allowed than older children (different body proportions)
- Head entrapment: Critical—openings must be very small or very large
- Finger entrapment: No gaps that trap small fingers
- Clothing entrapment: No protrusions or hooks
Surfacing
- Impact attenuation: Must meet AS 4422 for equipment fall height
- Coverage: Entire fall zone, no gaps
- Soft throughout: Toddlers fall frequently even on flat ground
- No trip hazards: Smooth transitions between surfaces
Supervision
- Clear sightlines: Educators must see all areas
- Contained space: Secure boundaries
- Separated from older children: Different play styles and abilities
What to Avoid
- Equipment designed for older children: Too high, too complex
- Flat swings: Toddlers can't hold on safely
- Rope climbs: Beyond toddler ability
- Spinning equipment: Most is too intense for this age
- Small loose parts: Choking hazards
- Shared space with 3-5 year olds: Different needs and abilities
Creating Engaging Toddler Spaces
Beyond equipment, consider:
- Nature: Plants, flowers, insects to observe
- Texture: Varied ground surfaces, touchable plants
- Discovery: Things to find, observe, collect
- Cosy spaces: Small enclosed areas for retreat
- Open space: Room to toddle, run, push toys
Key Takeaways
- Maximum 1m platform height for toddler equipment
- Bucket swings, enclosed slides, low climbers are core elements
- Sensory play (sand, water, textures) is highly valuable
- AS 4685 has specific requirements for under-3s
- Separate from older children's play areas
- Clear sightlines for supervision essential
- Soft surfacing throughout—toddlers fall frequently
Planning a Toddler Playground?
We design age-appropriate outdoor environments that meet all safety requirements while creating engaging spaces for young children. Book a free discovery call to discuss your toddler area.
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