Backyard Safety

Toddler in the backyard with ball

Backyard Safety

Spring has finally sprung! That means more family time outside enjoying the warm weather. Here are our top tips to ensure your outdoor spaces are safe for your babies and toddlers to explore.

1. Know what is growing in your garden.

Babies and toddlers love to play and explore in the garden, so knowing what plants are growing in your garden is important for safety. The easiest way to manage this is to avoid planting plants that carry dangerous toxins (this takes a simple google search to find a comprehensive list!). If your home has existing toxic plants that are difficult to remove you can attempt to use a fence or barrier to deter your baby or toddler from exploring that area of the garden.

2. Check your pool fencing

Young children are naturally curious and attracted to water, but are at highest risk of drowning. All pools need to be fenced in compliance with local building codes and registered with local council. In New South Wales pool fences need to be at least 1.2 metres high, and if the pool backs up onto a boundary fence, the boundary fence needs to be at least 1.8 metres high. There are also requirements that apply to the height and size of latches, gaps and horizontal pales. A full safety checklist can be downloaded at www.checkyourpoolgate.com.au. Most importantly never leave your child unsupervised around the pool.

Pool

3. Baby proof verandahs/ patio spaces.

The first major consideration when baby proofing a verandah/patio area is to make sure space is not easily accessible to your child. This means have a minimum of two locks on the door to prevent a curious child from wandering out. Inside the verandah area, we recommend installing perspex sheeting along railing areas where a child could hook their feet into the railings and climb their way up and over the fence. Move any verandah furniture e.g. chairs, pot plants or toys that a child could climb up on and use to look over the side of the verandah. Importantly always supervise a child when they are in this space.

4. Check out the play equipment

All play equipment should be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear and ensure it is in good working order. For example, check that the swing set is stably anchored into the ground, regularly check bolts and screws and for wear and tear in trampolines, inspect the cubby house for any loose parts that may need repairing.

5. Baby proof the garden shed

This one is a double baby proofing need. Firstly all gardening products and equipment should be kept and locked away in a garden shed. Because the garden shed is full of products and equipment that are dangerous if it gets in the hands of small children, if possible keep more hazards items such as fertilizers, chemical products, tools up high and out of reach on a shelf.

6. Baby proof the bbq

Nothing is more popular on a warm evening for many families than backyard barbecuing. Small children are fascinated by fire and may try to touch an open flame, never leave any hot plates or open fire unattended. Make sure you store all barbecue equipment such as tongs, fire lighters and matches out of reach. When using a free standing barbecue ensure it is anchored and cannot tip over. If your barbecue uses coals for cooking ensure they are extinguished properly. When cooking it’s a good idea to keep small children away from the area and explain the dangers of coming near the hot equipment.

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Fantastic Service

Fantastic service. Mitch gives great advice on baby proofing. He opened our eyes to where we needed to baby proof and also saved us money by making sure we didn’t “over baby proof” our house. He was tidy and did a great job installing baby proofing around our house. Thanks again we will definitely refer you to our friends and family!

Laura, Sydney
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Now We Are Baby Proofed

Mitchell was so efficient and helpful, he answered all our concerns for our baby’s safety. Now we are baby proofed!

Ondine, Sydney
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Amazing Customer Service

Mitchell provided us with amazing customer service and saved us by baby proofing our home. Thank you so much for such a prompt efficient service.

Jenna, Sydney
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Greatly Appreciated

I would like to thank Mitch for his help in “Twinado” proofing our living areas. His prompt and efficient service is greatly appreciated (though not by the twins, they were less than impressed that they could no longer get into my DVD cabinets!)

Nicole, Sydney
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Prompt & Reliable Service

I contacted First Steps Safe Steps to install safety gates. They offered an appointment 2 days later and came at the agreed time. Mitchell was able to fix all our problems on the spot and provided further advice. We choose the roller blind gates that have a slim and discreet look. Thanks so much Mitchell for the prompt and reliable service. We now have more freedom and peace of mind while caring for our little 1 year old. I definitely recommend their services.

Anne, Sydney
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Fantastic Experience

I had a fantastic experience with First Steps Safe Steps today…

It was SO easy…I rang Mitchell (the owner) to arrange a time, he then visited our house, assessed what was needed to ‘baby proof’, provided a quote, and then installed all requested items…all within two hours!

Mitchell was super friendly and polite, did a great job, cleaned up afterwards, and even offered to do an odd job that he noticed while there. I can’t recommend it more highly!!

Pip, Sydney
Baby Safety Gates - Baby Proofing Sydney

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