https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 04 May 2026 21:22:23 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2501237 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 01:24:45 +0000 gingerbebe 2501237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know how big the rock/gravel area is, but if you're really worried about it, you can go get some netting at the hardware store (either weed barrier or bird netting for trees, or even just a tarp) and lay it over the gravel and weigh it down with bricks or something. Not super pretty, but I think it would help detract from the pebbles. When my son first started walking, he was slow and toddling and looking at the ground the whole time and was picking up EVERY. SINGLE. stick, rock, gum wrapper, twig, cigarette butt, and putting it in his mouth (or trying to). It was so exhausting! </p> <p>So, yes to the water table and kiddie pool and bubbles and all sorts of fun outdoor stuff, but I don't think covering up the rocks is a bad idea. Maybe get some potted cherry tomatoes and basil to also draw the eye - I'd rather my kid pick and eat vegetables than rocks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2501085 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:28:11 +0000 Madison43 2501085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd second the water table idea. For a play set, I know little tykes makes a super compact climbing/side structure that a lot of people I know in the city use. You could also just get a small little tykes slide that folds up when not in use and put the foam mats under it for a softer landing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2501081 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:16:23 +0000 Littlebit7 2501081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: thanks for the reassurance. I'm such once she's walking it will be a game changer. @sera_87: I could try the mat good idea! Gates probably not but I guess if the rocks become a major problem I could take a look<br /> @jhd: ok good! Will look into one. She loves es water; it gets hot here so looks like that will be a great addition </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2501042 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:53:40 +0000 jhd 2501042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO and his cousins had so much fun with the water table my mom bought last summer. He has a tiny pool at our house, but the water table was the real favorite! They don't take up much space at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2501041 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:49:38 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2501041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds perfect! The only hazard I see is rocks in the mouth but since you'll be out there supervising I wouldn't worry about them and just redirect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2500976 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 14:46:47 +0000 sera_87 2500976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>if she's just crawling i'd put down those cheap interlocking foam mats. and a kiddie pool with a tarp underneath for those humid summer days is a great idea! Any way you could put a baby pen/gates around the rocks? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-our-backyard-even-useable#post-2500973 Sun, 20 Mar 2016 14:44:44 +0000 Littlebit7 2500973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So we rent our condo here in the NYC area. It has a tiny backyard (yay!) and is super low maintenance (also yay) however not kid friendly and I'm sort of at a loss for how to utilize it now that LO is crawling, probably walking soon.<br /> So ⅓ of it is brick pavers, probably 10x 5 area at the front where the stairs come down. There is a small narrow (4 ft x 12 ft) raised Trex deck along one side, a planter in the back, and the rest is covered in large rocks/gravel. Perfect size for eating.<br /> What can I do with this space? Obviously the paver area she can use somewhat safely. But the rocks? I don't even know how to use it. It is fenced in.</p> <p>Any ideas? I thought maybe a water table. Or an inflatable kiddie pool with maybe a tarp underneath. A play set? No idea. </p>