Active babies and toddlers tend to get into the most trouble when mom and dad are preoccupied and that seems to happen often during cookouts with family and friends. Parents relax a bit when they know there are many other eyes around that can watch their precious angel, but the problem is, those other eyes are more focused on their juicy steak on their plate or scouring through the cooler for a cold one.
At parties, active babies and toddlers tend to get lost in the mix and that's where their wild adventure begins. It's up to parents to make sure that their curious tot doesn't come in contact with anything dangerous during the journey around the big back deck. This is where baby proofing comes into play.
Graco Play Yard
Set up your back deck to be a safe haven for your active child so that parties can be a lot more fun for you without the worry that your adventurous toddler is going to get into trouble. Below are some simple, yet very affective baby proofing tips to make your back deck ultra-safe from your curious George or Georgette.
Start with the Perimeter
• Safety Gate the Steps: Make sure to put a safety gate across the stairs that lead to the back yard. This will keep your baby on the deck and stop unwanted falls.
• Remove Chairs Away From Railings: Make sure that all chairs and furniture is far away from the deck railings because if your toddler sees a chair by the railing and climbs on it he might just decide to jump over.
• Measure Deck Slats: Make sure that your toddler or baby can't put his head through the deck slats. If they are too far apart, consider getting a mesh covering for the slats so that your on-the-go tot doesn't get his head stuck.
Keep Items Out of Toddler's Reach
• Secure the Grill: Keep the grill off the deck or secured where your toddler can't go.
• Put Things Up High: Place items such as: Cooler, utensils and food up high.
• Place Dangerous Things Out of Reach: Keep items such as oil lamps away from your baby or toddler. The oil will look like a drink to a wee one and is quite poisonous if swallowed. Keep grilling utensils out of reach as well.
• Put Candles Elsewhere: Move candles out of toddler grasping range.
• Don't Use a Tablecloth: Avoid placing table cloths on your table because your tot is sure to grab hold and pull.
Other Considerations
• Get a Heavy Garbage Can: Consider getting a very heavy garbage can that your tot can't knock over or put the garbage can out of sight.
• Cover Pointy Table Edges: If you have a table with pointy edges, make sure to cover the edges with a wrap around cushion to keep all active partiers, including your toddler, safe from getting jabbed.
• Get a Playpen: For times when you're off playing games with friends, cooking or your attention is definitely not on your active tot, consider getting a playpen and putting it on the deck along with many toys. This will keep your toddler secure and entertained while you tend to non-toddler things.
If you follow all of the above tips then your deck will be baby proofed as if done by a pro and ready for a night of entertaining friends and their adventurous toddlers.