Backyard Safety For Toddlers. Baby Proofing Your Garden.

It is just as crucial to child and baby proof your yard, garden, pool areas and garage as it is to baby proof the inside of your house.

See article Baby Proofing & Child Proofing Your Home Checklist.

You may think your garden is safe for your little one to romp around in, but this checklist will help you ensure that you have not overlooked potential dangers lurking in your own backyard.

Baby Proofing The Garden

Always supervise your baby and toddler when they are in the garden, as even if you think your garden is safe, babies and toddlers can always find a way to get into trouble or eat something they shouldn’t.

Make sure you know what plants are in your garden and that none are poisonous.

Never leave a watering can full or water around. Also large water bowls for dogs are risky.

Make sure your garden is secure and all fences and gates in-tact and locked.

Keep all gardening products and equipment in your garage/shed; e.g lawnmowers, garden equipment, fertilizers, mulch, tools and any chemical products. Even in your shed or garage, where possible, keep these up high, out of reach on a shelf.

Your shed/garage should be securely locked.

Ensure all play equipment is in good working order and that swing sets are stably anchored into the ground. Regularly check bolts and screws and for wear and tear, especially trampolines.

Baby Proofing The Pool

Babies, toddlers and young children, should always be supervised by an adult when around pools even if there are pool fences, as remember kids can find ways to climb!

If you have a pool, be law it now must be fenced and locked.

Never leave any child unsupervised for even a minute around your pool!

Make sure all pool chemicals, cleaning & maintenance equipment is kept safely locked up and out of reach of your children.

Child Safety Around Parked Cars In Your Home

Never allow children to walk/crawl behind or in front of your car if the car is running, but still stationary, be it in your garage or driveway.

If you park your car on a sloping driveway etc. then always double check that the hand-brake is engaged and again children should be taught which way to walk around the car, so that there is no danger of it ever accidentally rolling forward or back and hitting your child. Also see my article on Child & Baby Safety In Cars