Baby-proofing your garden
If you're lucky enough to have a yard, it will offer your child a chance to enjoy being outdoors and explore a new environment. However, yards can pose a number of hazards to small children, so making sure that they're secure and safe is vital.
The most important thing to ensure is that your child cannot get out and onto a road. Make sure all access gates can be securely locked and that fences are high enough to prevent her from climbing over.
Ponds and water safety
Babies and small children can drown in just a few inches of water, so be sure to either drain, cover or fence in any ponds, swimming pools or water features. Don’t forget to drain paddling pools after use too.
Garden chemicals and tools
The safest option is to have a garden shed in which you can safely lock away all garden tools and chemicals such as fertilizers and weedkillers. Avoid using any garden implements such as saws or lawnmowers when your child is playing in the garden, and be sure to store everything away in the shed before letting her out to play.
Play equipment
Any play equipment you put up in the garden, such as swings, climbing frames etc, should be on grass and not on a paved area or patio. Swings and climbing frames must be properly installed and fixed to the ground. If you are planning on getting a trampoline, the safest option is to get one with a safety net that can be closed up around the trampoline. Sandpits can be great fun for children but ensure that the one you buy has a lid – this will prevent pets and other animals from fouling the sand, and will help prevent insects from getting inside too.
Try to avoid leaving toys out in the garden for long periods, as they can become damaged and pose a hazard.
Poisonous and harmful plants
Try and clear your garden of any plants which have sharp thorns (roses, brambles etc). Few common garden plants are dangerous if eaten, but some can cause tummy upsets and skin irritations, so you may decide not to have them in your garden. Daffodils, azaleas, hyacinths, rhubarb, laurel and rhododendron, among others, can all cause tummy upsets if eaten, and some other trees and plants can cause allergic skin reactions. You may find it worth asking your local gardening centre for advice on child-friendly plants. Teach your child to appreciate the garden without ripping leaves and berries off the plants – and make sure they understand that they should never try and eat garden plants.
Certain fungi can also cause irritation of the intestinal tract, so check your garden regularly for mushrooms and toadstools.
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Last Modified: 15/06/2007
Related Chat 3
I don't think you need to clear your garden of roses, (definitely brambles though as they're a pain anyway!), it's nice to have a positive environment for baby and you can't make the garden 100% safe - the main thing is to be there when your child goes outside and keep an eye on them.
A really helpful reminder of the things to look out for in the garden - thanks
This is a really useful article, you hear of so many horror stories involving children and ponds or swimming pools.
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