Getting outside is one of the best ways to spend time with your toddler or baby. If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious backyard, then you don’t have to travel very far to get some quality time outside with your little one. Backyards offer a convenient way to get fresh air with your baby but they can also present some safety hazards that are important to be aware of as a parent. 

Backyard Safety Hazards for Babies

When it comes time to hang out with your baby in the backyard you’ll definitely want to take certain safety hazards into consideration such as swimming pools, fences, lawn equipment, and pesticides. You also should never leave your baby to play unattended in the backyard and the safest option is to have an enclosed play area such as a playpen available for your baby. 

1. Swimming Pools

One of the biggest dangers that exists in most backyards is swimming pools. Swimming pool injuries are all too common and often occur at private residences such as the home of the child or that of a friend or relative. Children under the age of four are more likely to drown in a swimming pool than any other age group. 

Keeping your child safe from a swimming pool accident is entirely worth any extra effort that is required. Never leave your baby unattended to play near a swimming pool and always keep your swimming pool covered and fenced off with child-proof fencing. Once your child has reached the age of walking and crawling, always ensure that they are wearing some type of flotation device when playing in and around a swimming pool. 

2. Fences

Although fences are a great way to keep your child safe from certain backyard dangers, they can also present their own dangers as well. If your backyard has a fence, always make sure that it is structurally sound and doesn’t feature any large gaps. Babies can easily injure themselves by trying to crawl in and around any fencing gaps or by falling fence pieces such as large pieces of wood. Always supervise your child when playing near a fence and check your fencing regularly to ensure that it is safe. 

3. Garden Tools and Lawn Equipment

Any sharp tools or lawn equipment should be kept stowed away in a locked shed or garage in order to keep it out of reach of children. Babies and toddlers are incredibly curious and if left unattended, they can easily injure themselves on sharp objects such as gardening tools. Be sure to never leave sharp or rusty objects laying around and always pay close attention when using these tools near your baby. It is important to make sure that any sheds are kept locked in order to keep children out because even younger children and toddlers can easily find their way into a shed that isn’t kept properly locked up. 

4. Pesticides and Other Dangerous Chemicals

Grassy yards can often house harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. Make sure to remain aware of any chemicals that may exist in your yard before allowing your baby to play freely in the grass. If your neighborhood is responsible for pest control and yard services, you’ll need to take extra care to remain mindful of any chemicals that may have recently been sprayed in the grass. If your yard has recently been sprayed with chemical pesticides, avoid playing in the grass with your baby for at least 48 hours after it has been sprayed. You can also bring a large blanket outside with you and have your child play on it so that there is a barrier between them and the grass. 

Outdoor Baby Safety Tips

Being aware of potential hazards is an incredibly helpful way to keep your baby safe when playing in the backyard. Always pay attention to your baby when playing outside and never leave them unattended to play alone. Below, we’ve listed a few additional safety tips to keep in mind when playing in the backyard with your baby.

• Utilize sun protection such as protective clothing when your baby will be playing outside for longer stretches of time. You can also look for shadier areas for your child to play in to avoid over-exposure to the sun. If you choose to use sunscreen on your child, make sure that it is non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. 
• Always take pool and water safety seriously. It only takes a few inches of water to cause serious injury or even death to young children so you’ll always want to be aware of any nearby bodies of water including small ponds and puddles. Some parents opt to enroll their babies in swimming lessons as early as six months of age. This can help teach water survival skills to help prevent a drowning injury but does not replace the need for close supervision when in and around water. 
• One simple way to ensure your child is safe when playing in the backyard is to set up a playpen for them. Choose a spacious playpen to offer your child an enclosed area to play so you won’t need to worry about them wandering off and running into any dangers. Many playpens also double as a sunshade, making them convenient and practical for outdoor usage. 
• Look out for any ant piles or other stinging insects that might live around your home and make sure that your child doesn’t play near them. If you live in an area that has a lot of mosquitoes, you can try using a safe and natural insect repellent to prevent your baby from getting any bites or stings. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to outdoor baby safety, remaining aware of any potential dangers is one of the most important steps you can take as a parent. Remember that accidents do happen but doing everything you can in your power to keep your baby safe will help give you peace of mind.