Having little ones running around your home is every parent’s dream. Taking on that role means you have plenty of aspects you’ll need to consider.
Babies and smaller children are unaware of the potential dangers, and one of the many tasks as a parent is to ensure you protect them.
Most new parents are advised to take certain measures to ensure their home is babyproof. Living in a house means you’ll need to take these measures to the backyard, where it can be even more dangerous for children.
With this in mind, here are several aspects to consider if you want a childproofed backyard.
Set up a Safe Playground Area
Having kids play in the backyard is common, but to protect them from other dangers, you should invest in playground safety. It’s vital to ensure it’s secure and appropriate for their age.
With over 200 thousand injuries in playground areas, you should aim for toys and activities that won’t harm your little ones. Also, regardless of how safe of an environment you have set up, you should never leave your children unattended.
Eliminate Pests
Having a backyard usually means you’ll notice bugs here and there. As adults, we know the dangers some of these pose and will stay away from them. Children won’t do the same, meaning you should consider how to keep outdoor pests at bay before letting them run around.
The first step is to identify the pests in your backyard before considering how to eliminate them. If you don’t have the knowledge to do it yourself, you may need to consult a professional. There are many organic solutions, meaning you’ll protect your garden in an eco-friendly way.
Another thing you can try to eliminate from your garden is poisonous plants. There are plenty that look nice but can be dangerous to children. One option is to remove and replace them with safer ones. On the other hand, if you really want to keep them, you should consider putting a fence around them.
Store Chemicals and Tools in a Safe Place
Anyone with a backyard knows that chemicals and tools are essential for maintenance. Fertilizers, trimming equipment, lawnmowers, and many other items should be kept away from children. This is where sheds come in handy.
Most people’s yards have one, which is the best place to store them. However, keeping them there is only half the story. You should also make sure your kids won’t be able to get inside. If you have older ones, you should consider getting replacement shed doors, ones that can be locked.
Make Sure Your Fence Is in Good Shape
A fence serves many purposes. It can transform how your backyard looks and provide privacy against prying eyes. It also offers a way to keep children inside, which is essential for their safety.
You should double-check your fence and make sure it is structurally sound and without any major gaps. Any gap big enough for your child to squeeze through is a potential risk you should eliminate.
Protect the Pool
A backyard with a pool is a nice way to relax and cool off during the hot summer months. The problem is that once you have kids, you must plan how to protect them. Pools can be dangerous, regardless of whether they’re filled with water, so you should consider them a hazard.
Luckily, there are a few options to improve the pool safety situation. The most common one is hardcovers, which serve two purposes: They offer protection so your kids won’t fall in and keep the pool covered. You can also go for a fence. It won’t keep dirt and leaves from the pool but will keep kids away.
Some people have fountains, which can be another hazard similar to the pool. Covering won’t be an option, so you may consider a fence. If that doesn’t match the style, you can try various building techniques to make a fence-like structure around the fountain. Just make sure it’s high enough.
Maintain the Garden
The last tip for making your backyard childproof is to maintain it regularly. Many things fall under regular maintenance, but in this regard, the main thing to note is to trim. Smaller bushes aren’t a massive problem, but trees can be a severe hazard to your children.
There are situations where seasonal changes can weaken trees and make their branches more fragile. Slightly stronger winds may cause them to break which can hurt your children. Keep an eye on trees and bushes with larger branches and trim them when necessary.
Having children run around in the yard is cute, but you’ll need to be prepared for it. The goal is to make sure your backyard is childproof to ensure their safety.
