How to toddler proof your garden

We want our children to play outside and reap all the scientifically proven benefits that spending time in a garden can bring. Studies have shown that patients in hospitals who have a view of nature outside their window tend to recover faster than those without. Although having a little explorer or two can pose a challenge as we want to ensure that they are always safe. It seems so long since I had a toddler roaming around, but I thought these toddler proof tips were useful.

Make the Pools and Any Other Water Source Safe

First things first, if you have a pool, make sure you have a safety net over it. Safety nets are a great way to prevent your child from falling into the pool. Ensure that the safety nets are durable and made from a renowned material.

Another good idea to toddler-proof the pool is by putting a gate around the pool with a padlock on the gate so that they cannot open the gate themselves. If your child has any access to a pond or stream, or any other nearby water source, fence it off as well.

Swing Safely

Having a swing in the backyard and garden is an excellent way for children to play and have fun outside. Keeping your child safe while swinging is simple; see to it that the swing is far away from any stones, bricks, fences, or any paving, and keep the swing away from the patio and outside deck. Clear the swing area from any sharp and dangerous objects, and always ensure that the swing can support a good amount of weight.

Secure All Gates, Fences and Sheds

Ensure that there are fences around your children’s play areas, because the second slightly amusing catches their eye they are off and will stop at nothing to inspect and can quickly get hurt or lost when they are out of your sight.

Look at securing the gates with padlocks or anything else that they cannot get open on their own with their fidgety little fingers. Putting these safety mechanisms in place does not just prevent your child from getting out, but also keeps unwanted intruders from getting in. Always be sure to lock the shed or storage where sharp tools, pesticides, and insecticides are kept.

Designate a Special Play Area

Designate a separate little play area for your toddler, such as a sandpit, ball pit, or a small playhouse. This keeps all the mess in one area and is easier to clean up. Should you be buying a home, look for a property with a garden that has trees to offer shade that your children can enjoy in the scorching midday heat. It is also crucial that this area is not too far away from you and easily visible.

Eliminate All Toxic Plants

Although it may seem like a simple thing, there are some plants that you possibly could not have considered to be toxic. Although they look lovely, lilies, peonies, and oleander look charming and fetching, are poisonous to your little one if ingested.

Familiarizing yourself with potentially dangerous plants and flowers is a considerable precautionary measure. If you are not familiar with those plants or do not want to leave any behind accidentally, you can put chicken fencing around them or get someone else to remove them for you.