Most parents focus on childproofing the interior of their home before welcoming their kids. But once your children start walking and running, they would want to explore other areas of your home. Your outdoor space can be a fun and easy way to entertain your little ones. But if you are not careful, they can get hurt playing and seriously get injured.
If you haven’t given your yard attention for quite some time, then now is the perfect time to give it some TLC. But since you got kids to take care of, you will need to consider their safety first. Wonder how you can make your yard a safe place for your kids? Here are a few things you can start doing to make your outdoor space more child-friendly.
Find a Way to Fence It Up
If you have an open yard, you can have more peace of mind by fencing it up. This way, you can be sure that your little one won’t wander off the street or into a neighbor’s property. If you have a pool you will need a separate fence for this to make sure your kids can’t get access to the water without your permission.
Do you want your yard to sport a rock garden? Or maybe you want to use boulders in your landscape? These are an easy but effective way to boost the curb appeal of your yard. But since you have a child wandering your outdoors, it would be best to put up over-sized gates around these. This way, you can keep your child away and better protect your landscape.
Do you have a deck where you often spend the afternoon with the family? Assess the safety of your deck before letting your child wander around. Small kids can fit in deck balustrades and can fall over and get hurt. You have the option to install a clear balcony shield or a mesh deck guard to avoid kids from squeezing their way out. Don’t forget to add a gate or barrier on your stairs.
Create Soft Landings
If you plan on building a playground, then you will want soft landings to cushion your kids in case they fall or trip over. Avoid concrete and other hard surfaces. Lay turf and build yourself a lawn for the kids to play on. This way, you won’t have to worry too much if your little one runs, falls, or do cartwheels outdoors.
If you can’t afford to maintain a real lawn, you can consider rubber mulch is another good option to use on the surface of your yard. It can increase the curb appeal of your yard and is very easy to maintain. It is also an eco-friendly choice as it is made from recycled rubber.
You can also use artificial grass if you don’t want a high maintenance lawn. You will only need to occasionally rinse artificial grass to get rid of dirt. This can be a good option if your kids love to go roughhousing. Even if it rains and the grass gets wet, you won’t worry about the kids bringing in muddy shoes inside the house.
Declutter Your Yard
Your yard may be littered with different things, like your gardening tools, lawnmower, pesticides, and even your BBQ and accessories. Make sure to store and lock these somewhere where your kids won’t reach them.
You may think all plants in your yard are harmless. But what you did not know is that some common plants growing in your yard can already be toxic when ingested. Since kids often like putting whatever they get their hands on inside their mouth, it would be a good idea to do a bit of research and remove plants that can be harmful to your kid’s health.
Check Your Outdoor Furniture
A yard is not complete without a few pieces of outdoor furniture. But more often than not, these can have sharp corners that can easily scrape careless kids. If you intend to keep your old furniture, make sure to pad them well. It is also a good idea to power wash your furniture to get rid of all the dirt and gunk that accumulated. You can also consider adding small patio chairs and a matching table to give your kids their own space.
Your kids are now your priority. Every decision you make and every home improvement you intend to tackle, you will need to consider them before starting a project. Always keep their safety in mind and don’t forget to try to check your yard in their perspective. By making your yard safe for the kids, your little ones can better enjoy your outdoors.
