Spending time in the backyard with your toddler is relaxing. But with a walking baby, this outdoor space can be risky. Toddlers walk around and touch everything, which exposes them to a lot of dangers. There are many ways to childproof your backyard, and they include:
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Check your plants
Not every plant is friendly to your child and even pets. You should check what you have in your backyard and remove any toxin plants. If you really love the plants, create barriers or use risers to keep them away from your child.
Control pests
Look out for any pests in your backyard; if you do not know much about common pests, research to help you identify the dangerous ones. Get a pest identification chart and first aid information along with an emergency number. Some of the pests you should look out for are spiders, bees, and wasps.
Fence your yard
Fence your yard to contain your child. Toddlers can quickly wander off if they get a chance. So, use a good fence and a secure gate latch to ensure it’s closed all the time. You can also use a gate with an automatic to eliminate chances of anyone leaving the gate open.
Get rid of fire pits or cover them
A fire pit makes your yard look warm. But after use, it may still be hot and pose a danger to a toddler. You can actually stop using fire pits in your backyard until the baby is old enough to understand the risks.
Swimming pool safety
A pool in your yard is magnificent. But it is one of the biggest dangers for toddlers. You should fence around the pool or use an adequate cover to ensure your toddler cannot get into the water.
Limit access to shed and man caves
Sheds and man caves are useful if you love gardening. This is where you keep fertilizers, lawnmowers, rakes, shears, and other things used in gardening. All these items can be dangerous when a child accesses them. Lock your shed and use barriers to prevent your little ones from hurting themselves.
Use a shade
During summer, temperatures can be intense. The sunshine can cause sunburns and heat such as the floor, nozzles, and hoses and hurt your child if they touch them. Besides, a shade can protect the child against sudden rains in summer.
Pad your outdoor furniture
Most outdoor furniture pieces tend to have sharp edges. They can easily hurt a little child who doesn’t know about them. Pad such furniture or replace them with designs that come with smooth edges.
Ensure the safety of play structures
When adding play structures in your backyard, make sure you place them on level ground. A slightly steep area can make the equipment tip over, which can cause injuries. Take time to inspect the backyard area to ensure your child is safe.
Add grass
Little children like running around, and they are bound to fall. However, it is less painful to land on the grass than on a concrete floor, so plant grass in your backyard as you get ready to spend time with your toddler. The tips above are just a few of the different ways you can childproof your yard. However, remember, you still have to supervise your child while in the backyard.
