How to child-proof the garden so your kids can run free all summer long

Summer is finally here. This means days out, picnics and trips to the beach.

But for the weeks when money is short, you’re busy with housework or you’ve been to the beach twice and eaten too many ham sandwiches already, playing in the garden is the perfect way for the kids to spend time in the sun.

Here are some tips for to help your children have fun in the garden safely this summer:

1. Education

Educate your children about which plants are harmful when eaten from a young age. Putting some kind of fencing around poisonous plants if you have very young children is also a good idea.

2. Use foam squares

If you have slides/ swings etc that are on concrete, gravel or stones, use foam squares to create a soft base for your child.

Image via Pinterest

3. Cover ponds

Cover or put a fence around ponds or pools to prevent them falling in.

4. Back yards are better

Back yards are generally safer than front yards due to the fact that they are usually distanced from cards.

5. Be aware of garden furniture

Treat garden furniture the same way as indoor furniture and child- proof the same way. Also put away any particularly dangerous items of furniture such as black metal furniture that can become very hot when left out in the sun.

Image via pinterest

6. Keep doors locked

Keep doors to sheds, garages or anywhere that harmful chemicals like paint, weed killer etc are stored, locked at all times.

7. Clean up the garden

Make sure there are no dangerous items or tools lying around the garden, these can include things that might not seem dangerous like gardening tools/ certain garden ornaments etc.