The dangers lurking for babies in our own backyards

A new arrival means internal safety checks and changes, but don’tforget the garden, says Dennis Scott.

Dennis Scott on when you bring a newborn or fur baby home.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to having the home safe and ready for the whirlwind of a newborn or new pet. Trust me, I know. I have had two beautiful daughters, a kitten and puppy, but with all of them I missed one essential element: the garden.

I was so busy making sure the nursery and power points were safe, corners of furniture were not sharp and things couldn’t be pulled down from heights that I got sidetracked from the biggest room of our property: the outdoor space.

If you are embarking on this adventure, here’s how to have your place child- and animal-friendly on the outside.

Babies human and fur are cute, cuddly, frustrating individuals.

At times it may feel like they are just there to test your patience – or was this just my own experience?  

Selling Houses Australia gardening guru Dennis Scott. Picture: Foxtel/supplied

Somehow I doubt it – and I know for certain that getting outside it essential.

My mum once told me that a crying baby never seems as loud if you are outside and this proved to be true, so the outdoors and garden became a sanctuary. This space often isn’t considered; let’s focus on it now.

In the early stages of bringing your baby or fur baby home, I definitely do not recommend too much garden time. Sleep and food are the priorities.

But as long as your baby is healthy, the fresh air, sights, smells and sounds will be uplifting for everyone.

Looking after baby’s safety in the garden is essential. Picture: iStock

TOP TIPS FOR BABIES
Dress appropriately

Layer your baby or toddler’s clothing. Take a blanket in case it turns cold; it doubles as a space to sit on the grass. Your baby’s skin may get irritated at this early stage so the blanket avoids grass contact. As your baby gets older, let them explore but fence off areas that are no go.

Limit time in the sun

Your newborn’s beautiful skin is delicate and will burn. Seek shaded areas.

Avoid crowds
Pick a peaceful place without too much noise to make it restful and avoid overstimulation. Fresh air is healthy; we want to limit tears but grow a wish to return.

Tempting fistfuls
Babies will put anything in their mouths and chew it, including plants. Be vigilant. Keep plants that could cause harm fenced off or out of reach. Eating plants can be poisonous.

Blankets are a great thing to keep in the bottom of the pram and by the backdoor so you always have an instant safe place to sit on the grass. Picture: iStock

Keep up the good work

Continue your passion in the garden and pass this on to your newborn. The best way to continue gardening is by wearing a sling or baby carrier. This gives you two hands to do what you need to do and it keeps baby snug and connected. If your baby is old enough, face them forward and explain what you are doing. Help grow their vocabulary and their connection to your garden.

Tools down

Keep your garden tools away from your baby, especially anything that is sharp such as secateurs or loppers. Playing with small spades and showing kids how to use them will prevent injuries and build mental dexterity. If digging, keep a close watch to avoid the dreaded soil pie being eaten. There are some clever child-friendly garden play sets available.

Pretty to look at but sharp in nature, the Bird of Paradise should be looked at, but not touched by toddlers. Picture: iStock

Sense adventure

Touch, smell and sight come alive in a garden adventure. Different coloured flowers, textured leaves and pungent smells will all stimulate the brain. It’s so much fun.

Grubby is good

Get down and dirty. Let your baby get among the action. Introducing them to dirt at an early stage will help build immunity. I don’t recommend letting them ingest soil; they could consume parasites and germs.

Give yourself a break

Newborns and toddlers are demanding, so start with small chunks of time. Try to enjoy the time with your child among colourful flowers, a fresh cut lawn and a cool breeze.

Fur babies can be curious and go anywhere and everywhere they can, so block off areas you don’t want them to go. Picture: iStock.

TOP TIPS FOR FUR BABIES
Controlled chaos

Avoid unsupervised time outdoors upon arriving home. Puppies and kittens have a natural instinct to sniff and explore, and can innocently destroy your garden during this phase. Unless you pre-planned, there could also be unsafe and poisonous plants.

Animal house

Ensure you have an enclosed space for them to acclimatise to your space.You can get a crate, play pen or have a section of the garden fenced off, making sure your plants are safe from an overexcited animal.

Work and play

Make sure immunisation is up to date and no unvaccinated animals are using the same space to help avoid parvo virus. Make the space fun to create a positive experience your pet will want to repeat. Add toys. Hide treats in areas animals can access. Change it up so they explore and smell the wonderful things in your garden.

Quality time

Spend time with your animals in the garden and include them in your tasks. Talk to them as you would a child to calm them while you’re using power equipment.

Cats like to roam so consider keeping them contained in a part of the garden. Picture: iStock

Training day

An obedient animal is a much safer animal. When using power equipment, you need your pet to listen to you and not attack the mower etc. Obedience training will ensure you don’t have costly vet bills from any unwanted accidents.

Keep up the fluids

Your pet needs water. Make sure you have an appropriate watering station – and that they know where it is. Whether it’s a bucket or ice-cream container, a stainless-steel bowl or a plumbed in watering station that prevents them from knocking it over and going thirsty, water access is vital.

Shady sanctuary

Your pet needs shelter in the garden and a safe haven. Your dog or cat will appreciate being able to retreat to this spot when it’s wet, windy or during a storm. There are so many available, so choose one that fits your pet’s needs or custom-make one that suits the landscape or style of your home.

Robust plants are good options for puppies who may like to dig.

Dogs dig it

Use plants to create barriers and prevent pets from accessing certain areas. Plant a mixture of border plants and mature ones. Larger plants help prevent irreparable damage when the urge to dig strikes, but avoid large spiky plants.

Toxic hazards

Consider natural alternatives to kill unwanted weeds and pests. Pets are curious, they will explore and eat certain leaves etc and these chemicals can make them sick. If using chemicals, follow appropriate instructions, in particular drying time before letting your pet outside.

Season 15 of Selling Houses Australia airs Wednesdays 8.30pm on Foxtel.

Originally published as The dangers lurking for babies in our own backyards