Child safety in the garden: 10 useful tips to follow!
To ensure the safety of children in the GARDEN and minimize the risk of accidents, here are some useful tips to put into practice.
Today we will deal with the safety of children in the garden. In fact, as well as in the kitchen , bathroom and bedroom , a significant percentage of accidents to the detriment of children occur in the garden or in any case outside the home.
The garden is the perfect place where children can play and get some fresh air, both in summer and in winter.
Unfortunately, however, it hides quite a few dangers and parents must try to understand what they are in order to make the garden safe. it’s a place that has to be as safe as possible because kids love to explore
How to ensure the safety of children in the garden
While your garden may not be 100% safe for your children, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of accidents for you and your children.
So let’s examine what are some of the main dangers present in garden areas and outside your home and what measures can be taken to ensure the safety of children in the garden.
1. Be careful with lawn toys
One of the sources of possible danger outside the home is represented by garden games . The most frequent accidents that can happen are falls, but also hand injuries, knee scrapes or head banging.
To limit these events always make sure that:
- the games you have in the garden are approved and built in accordance with the law
- each game is assembled well and according to the instructions
- the games are placed on a solid and level base
- there is a suitable cushion or base on which to fall in case of need
- the toys have not broken or damaged over time so as to be dangerous
- are appropriate for the child’s age.
2. Some plants can be dangerous
Children, especially if they are small, become great explorers when they are in the garden and one of the things that most capture their attention are flowers and plants. They are attracted by the texture of the leaves, by their movement in the wind, by their fruit and above all by the colorful flowers.
However, some garden plants can represent a danger: they can have stinging thorns, stems or leaves, an irritating sap to the touch, poisonous berries.
To prevent your child from having an accident (injuries, allergic reactions, suffocation, poisoning) due to some plants in your garden, you should:
- avoid keeping toxic and allergenic plants or at least limiting access to them with protection
- inquire carefully when you decide to buy a plant and you have small children
- explain well to the children that you do not touch certain plants and do not put any in your mouth
3. Close garden tools tightly
Make sure all garden tools and DIY tools are locked away in a shed and securely. Garden tools can be dangerous in little hands. For this reason it is also good to hang them on the wall in a secure way so that they cannot be reached or pulled down by children.
Also keep chemicals under lock and key and never put them in unlabeled bottles.
Also keep children away when doing DIY projects. Most times in DIY accidents, it is the child watching who is injured.
4. Pay close attention to the garage
The same principles that apply to the toolshed also apply to the garage.
So keep gas, oil and other chemicals, such as those you use to clean your car, out of reach and don’t let children play with car maintenance tools.
Never let a child go near a running car and always remember to check that your child is away from it when you leave . It’s very easy to miss a small child when we’re in a hurry and he’s behind the car.
Also be careful that your child is not near the car door as you close it. Children move quickly and car doors can easily pinch fingers or give a nasty bang. Be especially careful if you’re feeling unwell, anxious, or angry. This is just the time when car accidents are most likely to happen
5. Be careful with electrical equipment
Never leave electrical equipment such as a lawnmower or hedge trimmer running or unattended with children around. Intrigued by the device, they could put it into operation.
If you are mowing the lawn, keep children away as rocks or small pieces of wood could be thrown up by the mower.
If a child is playing near you while using a shovel or spade, remember not to turn around quickly or swing the tool back or sideways without looking.
Never leave a rake with the tines pointing up: the child could step on it and injure his face.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.