Easy Ways To Babyproof Your Backyard

For new and expecting parents, making sure that your child doesn't accidentally harm themselves can seem like a full-time job. Babies and small children don't have a good sense of self-preservation yet, much less the reflexes to save themselves from harm, and this can make you constantly worried about your child sticking their hand in a dangerous object or hitting their head on a sharp corner. 

The worry might even be greater when you allow your children to go out in the backyard. Granted, you have to supervise them at all times, but it can take only seconds for your child to accidentally put themselves in harm's way. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to increase child safety in the backyard to keep your kids safe and put your mind more at ease.

1. Trim overhanging branches 

Overhanging branches should be removed even if you don't have children playing in the yard. Branches that are allowed to grow in excess can fall off and injure whoever happens to be situated directly below them, as well as cause damage to your property in the event of a natural disaster. If there is a tree in your yard that needs trimming, call in a professional arborist as soon as possible.

2. Fence in your plants 

Putting up a barrier between your children and your plants will help protect them both. Certain species of garden-variety plans can cause harmful health effects if consumed in excess amounts (and as you may already know, children will put anything in their mouths--including dirt), such as azalea, daffodils, hydrangea, holly, and nightshade. Installing a mesh guard around your plants will help keep tiny hands from reaching them, which not only keeps your tots safe but also helps prevent damage to your garden.

3. Remove prickly plants 

Even with a mesh guard protecting your plants, determined little hands can still find a way to grab at them. So if you have prickly plants in your garden (roses, cacti, agave, etc.), it may be time to call a professional Deltona tree and plant care service to remove them or move them somewhere out of reach.

4. Install a deck gate 

If your deck doesn't have a gate yet, now is a good time to install one. A deck gate will prevent your curious child from venturing further into the backyard without your supervision. It will also protect them from the risk of falling down the short flight of stairs and planting face-first into the ground below. 

If the gaps in the railings around your deck are big enough for your child to squeeze through, install a mesh guard or a clear balcony shield around your deck.

5. Barricade water features 

You are legally required to install a barrier around your inground swimming pool, even if you don't have small children in the household (the laws may vary per state, so make sure to check your state's official website). If you also have a hot tub or a water fountain in your backyard, you should install a barrier that is high enough to block children from accessing it.

6. Store tools and equipment 

Don't leave tools and equipment out in the open to prevent your curious tot from touching them and potentially harming themselves. Metal tools can get extremely hot when left out in the sun and a lot of outdoor equipment has sharp edges that can easily cut skin. When you are done using something, be sure to store it in the shed or the garage before leaving the backyard.

7. Babyproof your outdoor furniture 

Do it just as you would your indoor furniture; soften sharp corners, add padded seating to hard surfaces, and ensure that all pieces of furniture don't wobble. 

It's also a good idea to push all your furniture against the walls or railings to leave an open space in the middle. In this way, there is less risk of your children bumping into furniture as they toddle around.

8. Anchor play equipment 

Ensure that all pieces of play equipment (slides, playhouses, see-saws) are anchored properly. They should not wobble or be easily moved to avoid children from accidentally getting crushed under them.

9. Remove gravel 

Gravel pieces are choking hazards for kids. Before you let your child explore the backyard, consider removing them and having fake grass take their place (or some other soft padding that can easily cushion falls).

Not a lot of parents think about babyproofing the backyard until their child grows up, but it's better to do it now that you have more time to ensure that most hazards are removed or minimized. Although it's quite impossible to babyproof your entire yard, following these tips will definitely increase your child's safety while they explore the outdoors.