Making your yard and outdoor spaces safe for babies and toddlers. This includes fencing pools, removing poisonous plants, checking playground equipment for hot surfaces, and keeping garden tools and chemicals locked away.
Related Terms
A barrier around a swimming pool at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. It's the single most effective way to prevent child drowning in backyard pools. Mesh, metal, and glass options are available. The fence should completely isolate the pool from the house and yard.
Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight because their skin burns easily. For older babies, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and UV-protective clothing. Avoid peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when possible.
Active, attentive watching of a child, especially around water, heights, and hazards. Supervision doesn't mean scrolling your phone while your kid plays near the pool. It means eyes-on, within arm's reach when needed, and knowing what to watch for at each developmental stage.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for kids under 5, and it can happen in as little as an inch of water. Constant adult supervision near any water source is non-negotiable. Pool fences, toilet locks, and draining buckets and tubs immediately after use all help.