Keeping your child safe in the garden

This time of year, the garden is a great adventure playground - but beware of the dangers lurking in the long grass!

Water
All children are fascinated by water, but a child can drown in just a few inches, so never leave them unattended near a pond or paddling pool. Ideally, turn your garden pond into a sandpit while they’re tiny, then you can change it back to a fishpond when they’re older. If that’s not an option, make sure you cover the pond with a strong mesh or grille. Always empty the paddling pool at the end of the play session. If you have a very large pool that can’t be emptied daily, make sure it is covered securely.

Poisonous plants
Many common plants such as deadly nightshade, laburnum and holly berries are poisonous and eating or even touching them may cause serious illness. Unfortunately, they tend to be bright and pretty and very attractive to children. Try to identify plants within your child’s reach and either remove anything poisonous or make sure you don’t take your eyes off the kids while they’re in the garden. If your child does eat something suspect, remove anything still in her mouth and seek medical advice. Keep whatever it is to show the doctor, and don’t try to make her sick.

Garden tools
Despite what the Carry-on films tell us, treading on a garden rake is no joke, and falling onto one could cost your child his sight. Keep all tools locked away or well out of reach, and always put them away when you’re not using them, even if you just pop in for a cup of tea - a fork or spade could cause a nasty injury if a child fell onto it. Try to only use electric tools after the kids have gone to bed or when they’re inside – you won’t hear a small child approaching over the sound of the lawnmower or hedge-trimmer.

Dog or cat faeces
Toxoplasmosis can be picked up from pet faeces, and although this may not be serious in a healthy child, it can be very unpleasant and distressing. Even if you don’t have pets, your neighbour’s cat may be using your garden as a toilet, so make sure you check the area thoroughly before allowing your child to play on the grass. If you’re pregnant, wear gloves – toxoplasmosis could damage your unborn baby.

Sun safety
Young skin will burn in minutes, so always smother your child in a high factor suncream – preferably a sun block. Make sure they play in shaded areas, wear wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing and sunglasses. Keep them inside when the sun is hottest. Generally, babies and toddlers should be kept out of the sun, but if they do have to be outside for a while, follow the above but use sunblock. If your child’s skin looks reddened by the sun, soothe the skin with cool water or calamine lotion, and give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can be serious. If your child’s skin is badly burned, seek medical advice without delay.

Wasp or Bee stings
Except for severe allergic reactions, (in which case emergency treatment is necessary) stings are painful but rarely serious. Bees and wasps are attracted to flowers, so discourage your child from playing near flower-beds. Food and drink will also attract them, so try to eat inside. If you’re having a picnic, keep food covered and use insect repellent.

Play equipment
Don’t forget, play equipment such as swings, slides and climbing frames can deteriorate over time. To avoid accidents, check the equipment fairly regularly. Look for: loose or protruding nails, rotting or splintered wood and plastic with sharp or rough edges. Make sure swings are securely fixed – they can work loose after a while. Always supervise little ones on swings, slides and climbing frames can deteriorate over time. To avoid accidents, check the equipment fairly regularly. Look for: loose or protruding nails, rotting or splintered.

Copyright © Susan Elliot-Wright

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