Last Updated on January 1, 2023
During the summer seasons, a swimming pool becomes a focal point for the family. Most people prefer spending their time in their backyard. However, if you have a child, babyproofing your backyard is crucial. According to recent statistics, more fatalities to young children are from drowning than traffic accidents! Here are some of the ways to babyproof your backyard.
Best Way to Childproof Your Backyard
Swimming pool safety
If you have young children in your backyard, never leave them unattended because anything can happen. Also, it is essential to mark the pool’s deep end with a rope to help non-swimmers understand how far they can go while swimming. Encouraging non-swimmers to use personal floatation devices is crucial, especially if you have more than one non-swimmer in the pool. Here are some pool safety rules that should be followed at all times:
- No one is supposed to swim if they are ill or injured!
- An adult should always accompany non-swimmers!
- Don’t allow anyone to swim alone!
- No diving is permitted unless there is an area designated for diving!
- Swimming at night is not recommended!
- No swimming is permitted when it is raining or during a thunderstorm!
Know the plants in your backyard
It is important to know the types of plants in your backyard. Some plants are poisonous when ingested, while others can cause severe irritation when touched. To prevent injuries or emergencies, eradicate poisonous plants to protect your children.
Remove or cover fire pits
Although fire pits can be a great addition to your backyard, they are tripping hazards. Ergo, you can remove the fire pit until your child gets older or learn to cover it when not in use. Imagine your baby tripping into hot coal! That can cause severe injuries, and the only way to protect your child is by removing or covering fire pits.
Babyproof the shed
Most people tend to keep their tools in the shed. You can find fertilizer, lawnmowers, shears, hand rakes, among others, in the shed. Your children can get injured in the shed if it is left unattended. To be on the safer side, you can babyproof the shed to keep your children out at all times.
Control pests
It is common for backyards to have a wide range of pests depending on the location, weather, and type of plants. You can start by educating your children on the different types of pests to help them identify these pests. Also, you can control the different kinds of pests to reduce the chances of encountering them.
Demarcation
It would be best to erect a fence in your backyard to keep off unwanted people and pets. If you have a swimming pool, investing in baby or safety gates is a great way to keep your kids safe. Remember, a fence offers privacy and security, thus giving you peace of mind in the long run.
Outdoor Furniture
Finally, you can pad your furniture to avoid dents and injuries. Sometimes the sharp corners or protruding bars can cause injuries. As a result, you can invest in furniture that has smoother lines or pad your furniture. Keep your outdoor furniture far away from the pool, children are creative and they can push it around and use it to climb the fence.
