Kiddipedia
Do you have fond memories of playing in the backyard as a child? Whether it was splashing around in the pool on a hot summer’s day, tasty family barbecues or simply running amuck with siblings after school, backyard shenanigans provide us with some of life’s most precious memories. As a parent, chances are you want to recreate a similar haven of fun and adventure for your little ones too.
However, before that can happen, ensuring that your backyard is as safe and secure is key. Even if your outdoor space seems relatively safe to the naked eye, it’s important to note that there are numerous sneaky risks and hazards that may pose a threat to a child’s safety. Whether you’ve moved into a new home or are simply looking to revamp your current outdoor setup, child-proofing your space is key to creating the kid-friendly backyard that youthful dreams are made of.
Here’s how to get started.
-
Install Secure Fencing
First and foremost, take a look at your current backyard fence. Does it look like it’s had better days? If you’ve been putting replacing or repairing your fence on the back burner, now is the perfect time to address this issue. For starters, take note of rusty nails, warped fencing panels, rot or instability. Once you identify these issues, be proactive in fixing them.
Alternatively, consider upgrading your fence to a brand-new one. As a general rule, you’ll want to install a fence that is at least 4 feet tall to ensure the adventurous little ones aren’t able to climb over it. Where possible, choose sturdy materials that are resistant to weather and will serve you for years to come. If you have a backyard pool, you’ll also want to make sure to invest in aluminium pool fencing to ensure that the pool area is secure.
-
Clear Away Dead Plants and Debris
Another major risk that is often neglected in home backyards is dead plants and debris. If your backyard is covered in dead plants, twigs, overgrown shrubs or any other materials that could pose a tripping hazard, be sure to conduct a thorough clean up as soon as possible. Not to mention, they’re also an eyesore, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone.
However, the cleanup job doesn’t end there. You should also regularly maintain the area to prevent future buildup to ensure your backyard remains as safe and tidy as possible. This way, you won’t have to worry about the kids tripping over, slipping, or injuring themselves. Just lots of laughter and fun in the sun.
-
Check For Poisonous Plants
Since we’re on the topic of plants, we can’t forget to mention how important it is to check your backyard for poisonous plants. Certain plant species including foxglove, nightshade, lily of the valley and many more are commonly found in our Aussie backyards, and unfortunately, these plants are highly toxic and pose a severe risk to both children and fur babies.
Not sure about which plants are safe and which aren’t? No sweat, because this informative guide has you covered.
-
Deter Dangerous Insects
Another thing to look out for in your backyard is dangerous insects or animals, and boy, are we all too familiar with those in Australia. These persistently pesky uninvited guests can be annoying at the best of times, but more importantly, they are also capable of causing allergic reactions and serious harm to your little ones. From painful bee stings, to spider bites and deadly mosquito bites, keeping your backyard pest-free is crucial.
Fortunately, you can do this in a variety of ways ranging from scheduling professional pest control services and maintaining a clean yard year-round, to eliminating potential breeding grounds and ensuring your children are always wearing protective clothing when playing outside. Every little bit counts in the war against pests, so be sure to stay vigilant and consistent in your efforts.
-
Check The Safety Of Play Structures
If you have play structures such as swing sets, slides or trampolines in the backyard, it’s crucial that you check to see if they are in safe and working condition. Unfortunately, play structures can also pose a serious risk to your child. They are old and worn out, especially since they can deteriorate over time due to the elements.
The last thing you want is for your child to injure themselves while playing, so if anything doesn’t seem safe or sturdy, remember that it is simply not worth the risk. Always be on the lookout for loose screws, broken hinges, and other signs of wear. You should also double-check that structures are securely fastened to the ground. If something doesn’t cut the mustard, either get rid of it, fix it, or replace it. These simple steps will ensure peace of mind when the kids are in the backyard and allow them to enjoy their playtime to the fullest.
-
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Appliances
If you have an outdoor kitchen, patio furniture, or an outdoor dining setup, it’s vital that you secure these fixtures and fittings to prevent tipping, just as you would inside your home. You can easily do this by anchoring them to the ground or using anti-tipping devices. Additionally, look out for sharp furniture edges that may cause injuries and consider using child-proofing guards to keep your little ones safe. Remember that kids can be rambunctious and it only takes a second for disaster to strike, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
-
Supervise Kids At All Times
Repeat after us: I will supervise my kids at all times. It sounds obvious, but the truth is that you can invest in all the child-proofing measures in the world, but nothing beats constant parental supervision – especially for backyards with pool areas. Supervision is key to ensuring water safety in your family home. Being present at all times ensures you’ll be able to watch out for potential danger, and also address any injuries or accidents immediately.
So, keep a watchful eye and never leave the little ones unattended. Yes, even when they’re whinging and moaning about how you won’t leave them alone. Kids will be kids, but no safety measure can substitute for a parent’s supervision.
And there you have it — everything you need to know about childproofing your home backyard. By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to create an enriching environment without having to worry about the ‘what ifs’. Here’s to countless hours of laughter, adventure and precious memories.
