Renovating
10 Quick (and Quick-ish) Fixes for a Baby-friendly Garden
Entertaining a pre-toddling child this summer? Here’s how to adapt your garden to be magical (and safe) for babies
Babyhood is a fleeting moment in life, but if you’re in charge of a very small child during the warmer months, you’ll know that being able to spend time outside and give your baby fresh air and exposure to nature is the best. You’ll also know how specific your little charge’s needs are once outside – and how quickly these change as they go from just lying down to sitting to crawling and beyond.
If you’re lucky, it’ll be as easy as flinging down a rug on a soft, shady surface and enjoying the plants and birds together. More likely, your pre-baby garden could benefit from a few quick tweaks before you’re ready for that.
Professional advice from: Simon Orchard of Simon Orchard Garden Design; Amanda Shipman of Amanda Shipman Designs; Laara Copely-Smith of Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
More in this series: 16 Quick Fixes for a Baby-friendly Kitchen
If you’re lucky, it’ll be as easy as flinging down a rug on a soft, shady surface and enjoying the plants and birds together. More likely, your pre-baby garden could benefit from a few quick tweaks before you’re ready for that.
Professional advice from: Simon Orchard of Simon Orchard Garden Design; Amanda Shipman of Amanda Shipman Designs; Laara Copely-Smith of Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
More in this series: 16 Quick Fixes for a Baby-friendly Kitchen
Focus on flooring
If you don’t have a lawn, though, it’s not a problem. “Professionally laid, smooth paving with solid joints is also a nice thing for a baby,” Amanda says. It’s perfect for crawling unhindered, and also provides a flat surface for bouncers to sit on when your baby’s very small.
If your paving isn’t quite as smooth and lovely as the stones in this welcoming patch, throw down some rugs. Children’s rugs often come backed with rubber to make them non-slip. Layer a few of these or look for larger outdoor rugs that can stay put after playtime is over, and pretty much live outside until your little one is walking.
One flooring material you might want to think twice about is gravel. “A baby might eat it and it may hurt knees or the soles of their bare feet when they’re crawling or just starting to walk,” Amanda says.
If you have gravel close to your most used part of the garden, it might be worth looking at replacing it if you can’t temporarily hide it under rugs or cover it completely.
Alternatively, consider a large, flexible wooden playpen that you can configure to segregate your child from such temptations. Babyhood is but a short, sweet phase, after all.
Browse 17 pretty patios to inspire your garden makeover.
If you don’t have a lawn, though, it’s not a problem. “Professionally laid, smooth paving with solid joints is also a nice thing for a baby,” Amanda says. It’s perfect for crawling unhindered, and also provides a flat surface for bouncers to sit on when your baby’s very small.
If your paving isn’t quite as smooth and lovely as the stones in this welcoming patch, throw down some rugs. Children’s rugs often come backed with rubber to make them non-slip. Layer a few of these or look for larger outdoor rugs that can stay put after playtime is over, and pretty much live outside until your little one is walking.
One flooring material you might want to think twice about is gravel. “A baby might eat it and it may hurt knees or the soles of their bare feet when they’re crawling or just starting to walk,” Amanda says.
If you have gravel close to your most used part of the garden, it might be worth looking at replacing it if you can’t temporarily hide it under rugs or cover it completely.
Alternatively, consider a large, flexible wooden playpen that you can configure to segregate your child from such temptations. Babyhood is but a short, sweet phase, after all.
Browse 17 pretty patios to inspire your garden makeover.
Inspect your decking
Decking can be a lovely surface for babies, being softer and warmer than stone. However, make sure yours is still in good condition. “Check for splinters and wide joints that could trap fingers or toes,” Amanda says, “although, with proper installation by a professional, you shouldn’t get splinters with hardwood.”
Algae can make the surface slippery, too, so give it a good power wash before using it for the first time. (Amanda also suggests a sweep of garden furniture – get rid of anything broken that could be dangerous.)
Laara Copley-Smith suggests looking beyond soft- and hardwood decking, too. “Some of the composite decking is really nice,” she says. “Some composites are very hard and not great to walk on, but something like Millboard Enhanced Grain is really nice on your feet, good to lay blankets on, safe for children – no splinters – and is there for life.”
Need to lay or replace decking? Read reviews of decking specialists in your area.
Decking can be a lovely surface for babies, being softer and warmer than stone. However, make sure yours is still in good condition. “Check for splinters and wide joints that could trap fingers or toes,” Amanda says, “although, with proper installation by a professional, you shouldn’t get splinters with hardwood.”
Algae can make the surface slippery, too, so give it a good power wash before using it for the first time. (Amanda also suggests a sweep of garden furniture – get rid of anything broken that could be dangerous.)
Laara Copley-Smith suggests looking beyond soft- and hardwood decking, too. “Some of the composite decking is really nice,” she says. “Some composites are very hard and not great to walk on, but something like Millboard Enhanced Grain is really nice on your feet, good to lay blankets on, safe for children – no splinters – and is there for life.”
Need to lay or replace decking? Read reviews of decking specialists in your area.
Bring on the butterflies…
In terms of planting, if you’re adding or replacing existing varieties, Amanda suggests, “Choose soft plants over spiky ones (such as yucca or pyracanthus) or those that shed spiky leaves (such as holly).
“Also beware plants that have poisonous leaves or berries (such as laburnum seeds that drop on the ground) or leaves that can cause skin irritation (such as euphorbia),” she says.
Laara highlights a couple more. “In a cottage garden, avoid Digitalis (foxgloves), as certain ones are poisonous. Yew hedging has toxic berries, and the blades of some grasses – such as Phormium – can be sharp.
Rather than ripping out established plants, you might be able to plant barriers to make them hard for little fingers to get to. The RHS has a page with information about plant safety for adults, children and pets.
Amanda also suggests avoiding passion flower and other plants that typically attract wasps. Fruit trees with fallen rotting fruit, such as plums and apples, can also be a bit of a wasp magnet.
“Plants that attract butterflies are perfect for babies, though,” she adds. Lying in the shade, looking up at colourful wings flapping about could keep them occupied for ages. According to Butterfly Conservation, suitable plants include buddleja (pictured), Verbena bonariensis, lavender and marjoram.
In terms of planting, if you’re adding or replacing existing varieties, Amanda suggests, “Choose soft plants over spiky ones (such as yucca or pyracanthus) or those that shed spiky leaves (such as holly).
“Also beware plants that have poisonous leaves or berries (such as laburnum seeds that drop on the ground) or leaves that can cause skin irritation (such as euphorbia),” she says.
Laara highlights a couple more. “In a cottage garden, avoid Digitalis (foxgloves), as certain ones are poisonous. Yew hedging has toxic berries, and the blades of some grasses – such as Phormium – can be sharp.
Rather than ripping out established plants, you might be able to plant barriers to make them hard for little fingers to get to. The RHS has a page with information about plant safety for adults, children and pets.
Amanda also suggests avoiding passion flower and other plants that typically attract wasps. Fruit trees with fallen rotting fruit, such as plums and apples, can also be a bit of a wasp magnet.
“Plants that attract butterflies are perfect for babies, though,” she adds. Lying in the shade, looking up at colourful wings flapping about could keep them occupied for ages. According to Butterfly Conservation, suitable plants include buddleja (pictured), Verbena bonariensis, lavender and marjoram.
…but be mindful of the bees
Perhaps going against your eco ideals, some of these plants could pose other problems. “I’d perhaps be careful with plants that are very attractive to bees, such as lavender,” Laara says. “Even if your baby is safely contained, bees fly.”
A compromise, especially if you have lavender and other bee-friendly blooms in pots, is to relocate them farther away from the part of the garden you’ll be spending most time together.
As babies grow, Simon Orchard suggests embracing nature boldly. “Young kids are fascinated by all small creatures – ants, centipedes, woodlice, bees… We should embrace this early interest in nature and not make them fearful.
“As parents, we teach toddlers not to touch radiators or stick fingers into sockets,” he says. “Likewise, it’s up to us to teach them not to touch bees and to watch at a safe distance.”
Perhaps going against your eco ideals, some of these plants could pose other problems. “I’d perhaps be careful with plants that are very attractive to bees, such as lavender,” Laara says. “Even if your baby is safely contained, bees fly.”
A compromise, especially if you have lavender and other bee-friendly blooms in pots, is to relocate them farther away from the part of the garden you’ll be spending most time together.
As babies grow, Simon Orchard suggests embracing nature boldly. “Young kids are fascinated by all small creatures – ants, centipedes, woodlice, bees… We should embrace this early interest in nature and not make them fearful.
“As parents, we teach toddlers not to touch radiators or stick fingers into sockets,” he says. “Likewise, it’s up to us to teach them not to touch bees and to watch at a safe distance.”
Set up a shady corner
This kind of spot, beneath a good source of shade, is perfect for very small babies, whose moses baskets can sit on the cushions while you (if you’re lucky!) lie down in the same spot and catch a much-needed rest. Be prepared to shift tables or other furniture out of the way temporarily if they’re going to be in your way.
As your baby grows, seats like this will be perfect for him or her to cruise along and practise walking. Again, a big table could be a hinderance here. Consider foldaway tables you can get out in the evenings if you have friends over or meals in the garden.
This kind of spot, beneath a good source of shade, is perfect for very small babies, whose moses baskets can sit on the cushions while you (if you’re lucky!) lie down in the same spot and catch a much-needed rest. Be prepared to shift tables or other furniture out of the way temporarily if they’re going to be in your way.
As your baby grows, seats like this will be perfect for him or her to cruise along and practise walking. Again, a big table could be a hinderance here. Consider foldaway tables you can get out in the evenings if you have friends over or meals in the garden.
Sail away
If you’re short of tree shade or a naturally cooler patch in the garden, how about a shade sail?
“Shade sails are very cool and really flexible,” Laara says. “You can suspend them over a lawn or seating area, or attach them to a building. There are different colours and you could choose a bright one a baby would enjoy. Make sure it’s big enough to provide adequate shade.”
Alternatively, she suggests a pop-up gazebo or a parasol. “There are some very good cantilevered parasols – really big,” Laara says. “But get the correct base and potentially tie it to something, too, to ensure it won’t blow over. You can also get little parasols you just put on the lawn, under which your baby can lie – great if you have a newborn,” she adds.
If you’re short of tree shade or a naturally cooler patch in the garden, how about a shade sail?
“Shade sails are very cool and really flexible,” Laara says. “You can suspend them over a lawn or seating area, or attach them to a building. There are different colours and you could choose a bright one a baby would enjoy. Make sure it’s big enough to provide adequate shade.”
Alternatively, she suggests a pop-up gazebo or a parasol. “There are some very good cantilevered parasols – really big,” Laara says. “But get the correct base and potentially tie it to something, too, to ensure it won’t blow over. You can also get little parasols you just put on the lawn, under which your baby can lie – great if you have a newborn,” she adds.
Let them touch
“Show and talk to them about wildlife and the natural world,” Amanda says. “Let them feel different textures. Show them different leaves and flowers – you could pick examples and arrange them in patterns together.”
The area just outside the back door is a great spot to have some plants with soft leaves and interesting textures to play with.
A herb garden is a nice idea here. Create a planter along the lines of the one in this photo, perhaps only filling the highest shelves until your baby is old enough to know not to eat compost. This way, you can carry your little one outside while you’re cooking and let them help pick the herbs for tea. Babies of a suitable age can have a taste, too.
“Show and talk to them about wildlife and the natural world,” Amanda says. “Let them feel different textures. Show them different leaves and flowers – you could pick examples and arrange them in patterns together.”
The area just outside the back door is a great spot to have some plants with soft leaves and interesting textures to play with.
A herb garden is a nice idea here. Create a planter along the lines of the one in this photo, perhaps only filling the highest shelves until your baby is old enough to know not to eat compost. This way, you can carry your little one outside while you’re cooking and let them help pick the herbs for tea. Babies of a suitable age can have a taste, too.
Play, whatever the weather
Think about a waterproof cover so rain won’t stop play. Consider a waterproof sail shade, though they are pricier. “You pay more for a waterproof sail shade and need to have the posts at different heights, so the water runs off and doesn’t pool,” Simon says.
“Retractable awnings next to the house are also great for rain and shade and mean the kids are in view. Gazebos are also good and can be moved around the garden easily.
“At the end of the day, though, children and babies don’t want to be confined and they don’t dislike rain, either – it’s normally the parents who are averse to it,” he says. “Stick kids in a waterproof suit and wellies and let them roam freely.”
Think about a waterproof cover so rain won’t stop play. Consider a waterproof sail shade, though they are pricier. “You pay more for a waterproof sail shade and need to have the posts at different heights, so the water runs off and doesn’t pool,” Simon says.
“Retractable awnings next to the house are also great for rain and shade and mean the kids are in view. Gazebos are also good and can be moved around the garden easily.
“At the end of the day, though, children and babies don’t want to be confined and they don’t dislike rain, either – it’s normally the parents who are averse to it,” he says. “Stick kids in a waterproof suit and wellies and let them roam freely.”
“Outdoor playhouses are also great, or convert an unused shed into a den for them,” Simon suggests.
Alternatively, seek out a ready-made structure like the woven one in this garden; or put up a teepee you can easily bring indoors. You can fill it with their favourite toys and, as they grow, put tiny furniture and a blackboard inside.
Smaller children and babies will need to be supervised, of course, so a portable den would need to be under a larger waterproof area if you don’t want to get wet – or be big enough that you can all get inside.
Alternatively, seek out a ready-made structure like the woven one in this garden; or put up a teepee you can easily bring indoors. You can fill it with their favourite toys and, as they grow, put tiny furniture and a blackboard inside.
Smaller children and babies will need to be supervised, of course, so a portable den would need to be under a larger waterproof area if you don’t want to get wet – or be big enough that you can all get inside.
Add a sandpit
A beautifully designed-in sandpit like this one isn’t, of course, a quick-fix – but try out the idea with a portable one and maybe you’ll be tempted to add one if you’re renovating the garden in the near future, as sandpits will be fun for years.
“The benefits of this design include a lid that can be put over it to protect the sand from the elements,” Laara says. Sandpit + rain = soggy play. With a portable pit, even in fine weather, it’s good to cover it up when not in use with a sheet of wood or equivalent, as it could attract cats and foxes.
Note the size of the ornamental pebbles around the tree in this photo, too – nowhere near small enough for a baby to put in his or her mouth.
Tell us…
Do you have any tried and tested baby-friendly garden tips to share? Let us know in the Comments section.
A beautifully designed-in sandpit like this one isn’t, of course, a quick-fix – but try out the idea with a portable one and maybe you’ll be tempted to add one if you’re renovating the garden in the near future, as sandpits will be fun for years.
“The benefits of this design include a lid that can be put over it to protect the sand from the elements,” Laara says. Sandpit + rain = soggy play. With a portable pit, even in fine weather, it’s good to cover it up when not in use with a sheet of wood or equivalent, as it could attract cats and foxes.
Note the size of the ornamental pebbles around the tree in this photo, too – nowhere near small enough for a baby to put in his or her mouth.
Tell us…
Do you have any tried and tested baby-friendly garden tips to share? Let us know in the Comments section.
Grass – super soft on tiny knees and a good cushion for even thin blankets – and dappled shade come high on Amanda Shipman’s list of Nice Things For Babies in Gardens.
This tranquil space has plenty of both and, handily, the shade hits the back of the house, which is where you’re likely to spend the most time hanging out at home with your baby.
If there isn’t any naturally created shade in your garden, scroll down for tips.