You checked the kitchen, the bathrooms and the nap mats. You asked about safety and cleaning policies for toys, tables and toddlers' faces. But did you ask about the play equipment?

"Especially for younger toddlers, play equipment needs to be occasionally cleaned to reduce the chance of germs spreading from child to child," said Don Bower, an Extension Service human development specialist with the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Bower suggests that parents look for materials under play equipment that can be rinsed off or renewed. Look for pea gravel, wood chips or shredded rubber or rubber-like materials, he said. "That helps protect the children in two ways: from the spread of germs and by cushioning their fall."

Another concern is animals in the play area. "In essence, a sand-filled area is a great big litter box for cats in the neighborhood," Bower said. "So check for fences or other barriers that keep out cats or other animals."

Wood chips present potential problems, too, Bower said. The wood may can harbor microbial growth when wet and may attract insects that can bite. All loose-fill surfaces can hide nails or broken glass. Careful maintenance is important.

"No outdoor area is perfectly safe," he said. "But checking for recommended types of equipment and surfaces and regular maintenance will minimize hazards. Of course, nothing replaces the need for good adult supervision."