How to Turn Any Backyard Into a Toddler Adventure Zo

As your children grow, you begin to realize just how much of your home isn’t exactly catered to young children. You may be living in the same apartment or house that was once just bought for the two of you to move into.

That means a lot of the furniture and layout of the spaces were bought and designed specifically to cater to you and your partner.

Nowadays, with a young toddler running around, that once safe space for two adults has become a safety concern in many ways.

The outdoor space will be somewhere that your toddler is likely to have fun in, so you must be aware of what dangers are posed in these outdoor areas and how to make them more toddler-friendly.

The dangers of your home’s outdoor space for toddlers

What are some of the dangers present in your home’s outdoor space that you might not have considered before? Let’s take a look at some of the dangers present for your little ones outside inthe backyard.

Water hazards

This is perhaps one of the most dangerous and one of those hazards that can turn deadly within just a few minutes of an accident occurring. Ponds, pools, and even buckets of water can be drowning risks to toddlers.

With that being said, it’s good to be mindful of whether you have any water hazards present currently within your home.

Poisonous plants and chemicals

Toxic plants and garden chemicals are a major threat and something to be well aware of when it comes to your home garden, especially when toddlers are exploring around it.

From foxglove to oleander flowers, to garden chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, these are all major threats to be aware of.

Falls and trips

Uneven terrain, loose gravel, decks, and climbing structures are all significant contributors to causing injuries. These falls and trips can be harmful to little ones and also can cause major injuries that you certainly want to avoid where you can.

Choking hazards

There are a number of choking hazards lurking around your garden that are useful to be aware of. For example, small rocks, dropped items, or decorative chippings can be swallowed by little ones who might think it’s something different.

You want to be extra careful about how you decorate the space and how these seemingly harmless decorative elements can turn dangerous in a matter of seconds.

Traffic and strangers

If your driveway is open and not closed off with an appropriate gate, then this could prove dangerous with any strangers of traffic passing by. These risks are something to be well aware of when you have little toddlers who often wander.

Burns and heat

Hot surfaces can be dangerous, and the outdoor space does tend to have plenty of heat risks. With BBQs and open flames, these are something to be cautious of for toddlers. Strong UV rays from the sun can also be damaging, particularly your little one’s skin. Ensure shade is available and make sure you apply sunscreen liberally.

Equipment risks

Cords on unstable climbing frames, cords on clothing and trampolines, these equipment risks are something to be mindful of when it comes to the health and safety of toddlers.

How to make your outdoor space more toddler-friendly

If you’re looking to make your outdoor space more toddler-friendly, here are a few tips worth considering when it comes to making your space toddler-friendly this year.

Prioritize your safety first

Safety is something that matters a great deal when it comes to outdoor toddler-friendly spaces. Toddlers are often curious and therefore still developing. Make sure to prioritize the safety of the space outside first and foremost for yourself.

Remove hazards

Regularly inspect the area for sharp objects, unstable furniture, loose nails, and broken equipment. Storing all garden tools, fertilizers, and chemicals to ensure these hazards are secure and away from toddlers, especially.

Secure the perimeter

Installing sturdy climb-proof fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates. This will help to prevent wandering and any unsupervised access to hazards like pools or roads.

Provide soft surfaces

Using shock-absorbing materials like sand, bark chippings, and natural grass is useful to put beneath play equipment to help cushion falls.

Tips for turning your backyard into a toddler adventure zone

If you’re looking to transform your backyard into a toddler adventure zone enjoyed by your little ones, then here are some tips to consider.

Sensory and nature zones

A sandbox and water can be a great way to encourage tactical exploration, so add buckets and scoops to the fun.

Create a trail with safe textures for the benefit of balance and exploration. As well as this activity, these 40 Fun Outdoor Activities And Play Ideas For Toddlers are a good resource to explore.

Active play zones

Obstacle courses can be a lot of fun when designing one with ropes, small hurdles, and pool noodles. Climbing and swings can also be useful to add some fun to the space.

Imaginative and quiet spaces

There are a lot of imaginative activities that can be transferred to the great outdoors. Play tents, teepees, and pallet forts are great for reading or pretend play.

Art stations where you can add a weatherproof board and chalkboard to a fence, helps with your toddler’s creativity.

Involve the children

Involving the children is something that can be great when designing your outdoor space. Letting your toddlers participate in the design and maintenance of the garden is helpful. It gives them a sense of ownership and creativity in their own creation of the space.

Involve them in simple DIY projects, whether that’s painting stepping stones or decorating an existing playhouse. There’s a lot that can be done in the garden that involves your kids.

It’s always useful to think about your little one’s wellbeing and safety within any environment. The outdoor space is a wonderful place and should be utilized for the benefit of your toddlers. Use these tips to help create safe and fun spaces for your little ones this year.

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