How to baby proof your garden

As soon as our children begin to sit independently, it’s not long before they’re crawling a little and causing mayhem wherever they go. Babyproofing or childproofing your home is a priority for new parents. Whether you live in a cosy two-bed apartment or a generously-sized country house, your baby is bound to take a tumble or a bump to the head, despite your best efforts.

That being said, most of us do forget to look beyond our four walls. If you have a yard or are blessed with a garden, it’s important to baby proof your outdoor space, too! Young children love to get stuck in and explore new environments, and nothing is as enticing as natural smells, textures, and colours.

infant baby girl in dress sitting green grass playing with grass by barn

7 steps for a child-proof garden

With spring well and truly on the way, her are seven simple tips to help you childproof your garden. You’ll want that space ready asap, after all you wouldn’t want to miss those two weeks of summer we’ll be treated to mid-May.

1. Commit to regular poo patrols

Whether you have dogs or cats (or even neighbours, to be honest), be sure to regularly check your garden for any animal poo.

2. Store away tools in the shed

As tempting as it may be to drop tools and head indoors for the day, when little ones are about, always store them safely and securely away in your shed. The same goes for BBQs.

3. Be wary of water

The water in children’s paddling pools should be changed every day to ensure they aren’t exposed to nasties in the water. If you have a pond, speak with your local garden centre or gardening service, and arrange for a cover to be fitted.

4. Look out for low walls

Low walls invite climbers, which, in turn, leads to tumbles, falls, and tears. Consider building your wall higher or adapting the area to include fencing.

5. Swap slabs for grass

The spacing between paving, whether slabs or flags, are a typical trip hazard for little ones with little legs. The hard surface can also cause myriad injuries when tots take a tumble. Swap the slabs for artificial grass from Grass Direct and remove the danger and the need to mow it too!

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6. Replace poisonous plants

Give your garden the once over for any poisonous plants. Some common culprits include daffodil bulbs, rhubarb leaves, and ivy berries. Scoot them out and replace with less hazardous alternatives.

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7. Pad any sharp edges

From garden furniture to play equipment, check for sharp edges and pad them out to avoid eye injuries or other nasty bumps.

Would you add anything to the list?