A patio is a fantastic way to expand your living space while enjoying the outdoors. But if you have young children, you might be worried about making your patio kid-safe.
Here are a few options to assist you in kid-proof your patio so everyone can enjoy the space.
Choose Durable Material for Your Patio Furniture
If you have small children, your patio furniture will most likely be used. Look for furniture constructed of long-lasting materials such as aluminum or teakwood that can survive repeated usage. You also want to ensure the furniture is stable and won’t tip over easily.
Add a Soft Surface to Your Patio Flooring
Consider adding a soft layer with an outdoor rug or mat if your patio has a hard surface like concrete or brick. This will provide a smoother surface for kids to play on and can also help reduce noise levels. Avoiding sharp edges on your patio furniture or flooring is also a good idea.
Invest in Some shade
If your patio doesn’t have much shade, consider investing in an umbrella or pergola to provide some relief from the sun. This is notably critical during the summer when UV rays peak. Coloring can also help keep your patio cooler so kids (and adults!) can spend more time outside.
Provide Plenty of Entertainment Options
Ensure plenty of activities are available to keep kids entertained on your patio. This could include outdoor toys, games, and puzzles. Or, you could set up a small water table or sandbox for younger children. You could add a trampoline or swing set if you have the space.
Minimizing Hazards and Improving Safety
Keep all sharp objects out of reach. This includes things like knives, scissors, and garden tools. When you’re done playing with them, put away the pool toys.
Secure all chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet. This includes things like bleach, insecticide, and grill cleaner.
Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers. This will prevent curious little fingers from getting electrocuted.
Build a fence around the patio’s perimeter & Pool. This will keep kids from wandering off into the street or neighbors’ yards or drowning.
Remove any trip hazards from the patio. This includes things like potted plants, rugs, and furniture cushions.
Block off access to hot surfaces. If you have a fire pit, grill, or any other kind of heat source on your patio, block it off when it’s not in use. A child could easily get burned if left unattended near one of these hot surfaces.
Keep an eye on things from inside the house. If possible, try to position your patio furniture so you can see the entire space from a window in your house. Keeping a close watch on things even when you’re inside.
Place mats or rugs near doors to avoid slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
Invest in child-safe furniture. Patterns and finishes that won’t splinter or chip easily if kids fall or climb on them.
Keep an eye on kids outside playing, so they don’t get into trouble!
Final Thoughts
With a few simple precautions, you can create a safe and fun outdoor space for your whole family to enjoy. By choosing durable materials, adding a soft surface, providing shade and entertainment options, and minimizing hazards, you can kid-proof your patio so everyone can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
