Accidents can happen in your home. In fact, 10% of these accidents can occur in your backyard.[1] For these reasons, it is important to make sure that the products you put or install in your backyard are very functional and safe to use. In this article, you will have an idea about the best, multifunctional baby products which you can place in your backyard.
How to Choose the Perfect Baby Product for Backyard
A lot of products can be bought for your backyard and some of these products can become learning opportunities for your babies.[2] However, you must also consider these points when you are buying for your babies:
Something That Can Inspire Learning and Discovery
Personally, I always look for products that are practical to use and by practical, I mean, products that can enhance my little one’s cognitive skills and curiosity. Choose the products that allow them to learn new skills and products that are very interactive. Your backyard can become your child’s natural play area.[3] By choosing products like this, you are making way to help your child explore amazing things.
Ease of Use
Consider three things when you think of this point: installation, cleanup, and easy to play. Choose the products that can be installed easily and can be used in any weather condition as this can save much of your time. Second, choose the products that can be cleaned easily and faster. Lastly, choose the products that can be enjoyed and easily used by your babies!
Durability
Consider the durability of the product that you intend to buy. Personally, I buy things that are really durable even if they are a little pricey because I believe that buying quality and durable products despite of the high price is a way to save much of my money. Additionally, durable products will give you satisfaction.[4]
Safety
Infant mortality happens outdoors and in the backyards.[5] The common cause of this mortality is drowning in the backyard pool.[6] Some babies love to put stuff on their mouth so make sure that you are not buying hazardous and toxic products. You can check the packaging of a certain product in order for you to see if that product fits for your little ones.
Baby Pools, Water Floats, Toys, Accessories, and Inflatable Products for Backyard
1. Flamingo Baby Float
This one is an adorable product that your baby can use while swimming! It supports your baby well and it is easy to inflate! If you are actually on a trip, this can also be great for you.
Pros
Affordable
Durable
Easy to inflate and deflate
Comes with an inflatable sunshade
Cons
No cons as of the moment
2. Clearwater Play Center Inflatable Pool with Slide and Giraffe Theme
This inflatable pool is very soft and gentle for your baby. It may look small in the picture but it is actually big in person! So, if you want to assure that your baby is safe while playing water, this inflatable tool is the best for you.
Pros
Big in size
Easy to inflate
Cute
Perfect for babies
Comes with a mini slide
Cons
No cons as the moment
3. HALOFUN Sprinkle and Splash Palm Tree Pad
Personally, I find splash mats safer than inflatable pools. This product allows a baby to enjoy water without submerging them.
Pros
Safe to use by a baby
Affordable
Easy and fast to fill
Cons
No cons as of the moment
4. Splash EZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad
Of all the splash pads, this one is my favorite because it is really safe to be used by babies as the water level is very low. Additionally, you do not need to inflate this product! All you have to do is put it on your backyard and fill it with water and voila! Your baby will surely laugh and enjoy!
Pros
Not inflatable
Easy to install
Safe to use
Cons
No cons as of the moment
5. Banzai Sprinkle Friends Play Mat
This is another water play mat that can be safely used by your babies. This is an inflatable pool does not splash too much water and it does not give a strong spray.
Pros
Gentle Spray
Easy to inflate
Safe to use
Cons
No cons as of the moment
6. Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Water Table
This water product is a great tool in enhancing your babies’ imagination, motor skills, and interest in water play. It comes with a set of scoops and balls which your babies can actually use to make playing more enjoyable,
Pros
Educational
Comes with accessories
Cons
Pricey
7. Little Kids Fubbles Bubble Blastin’ Machine
Swimming time (or not) in your backyard is so more enjoyable when you incorporate bubbles! Bubbles are great tools to make your babies wonder more. They will surely have that enjoyment when they catch and pop the bubbles on their hands!
Pros
The bubbles are reachable by your babies
It automatically blows bubbles
Very convenient to use
Affordable
Portable
Cons
Battery operated and it does not include the battery
8. Dolphin Bubble Machine
This product is another bubble machine that will surely delight your babies. Although it is a cheap one, its quality is great
Pros
Cheap
Easy to use
Easy to fill
Attractive for babies
Durable and stable
Can stand alone
Cons
It does not include batteries
You need 6 batteries to operate it
9. Intex Mystic Unicorn Inflatable Spray Pool
This product fits well for babies and its tail can squirt some water which makes it more fun to use. So, if you want your child to develop some motor skills while having that best water time, tis product can be counted as one of your options. Additionally, you can use it as a float when your baby is in an actual pool!
Pros
Multifunctional
Easy to inflate
Cheap
Repair patch included
Cons
No cons as of the moment
10. Intex Dinosaur Play Center Inflatable Kids Set and Swimming Pool
Of all the Intex products listed here, this one is my best pick. It offers a lot of features such as swimming pool, sprinkle, slide, and water pit. It is an all-in-one product! It is very comfortable to use it comes with a repair kit in case it gets some accidental holes.
Pros
Comes with a lot of features
Comes with a repair kit
Has a drain valve
Cons
I do not think it has one!
11. Little Tikes Jr. Jump n’ Slide Bouncer
If you do not want your baby to have some splashing water activity but you still want to go for an inflatable product, this is the best option for you. This bouncy house comes with a safety net and even older kids will surely enjoy it!
Pros
Durable
Perfect for the whole family
Safe to use
Made from puncture-resistant materials
Comes with a mesh to keep babies from falling
Cons
No cons as of the moment
12. Blue Whale Sprinkler
To make swimming more like a beach type one, this whale inflatable float is a great choice! It is a sprinkler which will make swimming more enjoyable.
Pros
Easy to inflate
Fun to use
Durable
Lightweight
Cons
No cons as of the moment
13. Bounceland Jump and Splash Adventure
If you want to make your bounce house experience up to the next level, this product might be your choice. This product is not only best for babies but it is also great for the whole family! The jumping castle is really great because it is very spacious so you can actually see your babies. It also has a built-in slide and pool which makes it more perfect if you have older kids. Surely, you will also be tempted to join your babies!
Pros
Spacious bounce house
Has a built-in slide and pool
Perfect for the whole family
Cons
No cons as of the moment
14. Minnidip Slice of Confetti Kiddie Pool
When my little boy was still about 8 months old, he already has this one and now that he is turning three years old, this product is still in our home! This product is durable and although it is simple, it is really a perfect fit for babies. It is easy to inflate and it has a valve which makes emptying the pool faster and easier.
Pros
Durable
Easy to inflate and deflate
Comes with a valve on the pool floor
Affordable
Cons
Always supervise your babies!
15. JOYIN Bubble Gun Blaster
If you want to control the number of bubbles blowing in the face of your babies, then, this manual bubble gun is the best for you. This product allows you to control the direction and the number of the bubbles. So, by this, I can say that this manual product is better although it can make you tired after some time.
Pros
You can control it
Easy to use
No leaks or spills
Cons
It uses a lot of bubble solution
Wheeled Baby Products for Backyard
16. Little Tikes 4-in-1 Perfect Fit Trike
I personally look at this product as a very durable one and babies from 9 months old above can actually have and use it safely. If you want to stroll your baby just around your backyard so that you can get some fresh air during this time of the pandemic, this trike is a great option. It is like a stroller but when your baby grows older, he or she can actually use the trike alone by kicking those pedals!
Pros
Grows old with your baby (Durable)
Comes with a head cover
Adjustable seat
Comes with a supportive, removable wheels
Cons
It is not foldable like a real stroller
17. Vtech Sit to Stand Learning Walker
This one is perfect for your babies who are practicing to walk! Although it is kind of hard to make its wheels roll in a grassy backyard, I still find it as a very great backyard product since it allows a baby to learn how to stand up on his or her own. Additionally, I find grassy ground as a safe haven for little ones who are practicing how to walk because it does not cause them to get scratches on their legs.
Pros
Durable
Can keep a child busy
Enhances curiosity
Interactive and fun to use
Batteries are included
Cons
Hard to make it work in a grassy backyard
18. Fisher Price Bubble Mower
This product is great for babies who are starting to learn how to walk on their own! Interestingly, this is not just a simple toy because as your babies push the mower, bubbles will start to blow! Surely, they will be amazed and at the same time, their motor skills, balancing, and visual skills will also be enhanced.
Pros
Can train your babies how to walk
Fun to use because of the bubbles
Affordable
Realistic sound
Cons
No cons as of the moment
19. Wiggle Car Ride-On Toy
My baby had one like this when he was only one year old and I personally find them very safe to use especially when they are being played in the backyard. A child who uses this does not have to use his feet to drive the car. Instead, he or she only needs to wiggle the steering wheel. Additionally, buying this product is very worth it because even parents can use it too.
Pros
Fun to use
Can carry up to 220 pounds
Can be used anywhere
Cons
It is hard to control because it is a self-moving product. However, you can ride on it with your baby, so why not buy it?
20. Careplay Ride-on Play Squirrel Center
This product can actually be used as a push toy or a ride-on toy. So, if your child is starting to learn how to walk on his or her own, this product is a great training tool for them. Additionally, this product can be cleaned easily as it is resistant to dirt.
Pros
Multifunctional
Easy to use and clean
Resistant to dirt
Cons
I do not think it has one!
21. Little Tikes Cozy Truck Ride-On
This ride-on product is a long-lasting one! It is a classic toy which will surely be loved by your babies and toddlers. If your babies get a little bigger, you can actually remove the floor board and if you want to personally maneuver the car, you can put on the handle at the back. Additionally, it has a cup holder so you do not have to go inside your home to get some water!
Pros
The floor board is removable
Comes with a removable handle
Comes with a bottle holder
Cons
I cannot find one!
Baby Swing Products for Backyard
22. Edu-Play Baby Outdoor Swing Set
This backyard swing is a very durable one! I’ve seen one like this around 4 years ago and our neighbor still has it! It has a removable back support for babies which make swinging safe for them. It can carry up to 66 pounds and the rope handles are adjustable, too. For all these reasons, you wouldn’t even have to doubt if you should buy it!
Pros
Durable
Comes with a back support
Easy to assemble
Cons
No cons as of the moment
23. Swing and Slide
This product allows a baby to swing gently and smoothly. It is a cocoon-shape swing that has a back support and it is very easy to hang.
Pros
Easy to hang
Has a back support
Safe to use
Fully assembled
Ready to use
Cons
Back support is not removable
24. Wooden Horse Swing Set
If you want to go for a wooden swing, I personally recommend this product for you. It is already varnished so you do not have to repaint it but if you actually want a specific color, you can design your own. Additionally, this product is made from natural materials which make it eco-friendly.
Pros
You can repaint it
Safe to use
Affordable
Wear-resistant
Cons
No cons as of the moment
25. Baby KEA Swing
This is a very minimalist product and personally, I find it durable and comfortable to use. Using it allows your baby to strengthen their tiny muscles while they are enjoying the swing time!
Pros
Made from durable
Comfortable to use
Toddlers can also use it
Foldable
Cons
It may be pricey but it is worth it to buy
26. Odoland Waterproof Saucer Tree Swing
This product is not just perfect for your babies but it is also perfect for the whole family! If you want to relax in your backyard with your baby, you can use this product and breathe it some fresh air. This product can hold multiple individuals. However, of you plan to hang it in a tree, you have to separately buy a tree swing strap hanging kit.
Pros
Can hold multiple people
Easy to hang
Cons
If you want to hang it in a tree, you have to buy a separate hanging kit
Baby Tents and Playhouses for Backyard
27. Baby Portable Beach Play Tent
This product will give you an easy time for thinking of the best activity you can do on your backyard. You can actually make this as your baby’s room while you are enjoying a quarantine summer in your backyard! It is a breathable play tent and if you do not want the large size, you can choose from other sizes. This product also protects your baby from the bugs, mosquitos, and dirt in your backyard.
Pros
Comes with different sizes
Easy to install
Breathable
Lightweight
Cons
I cannot really find one
28. Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Playard
If you want to make sure that your baby will only be contained in one place, this portable product is a great option for you. You can actually put a canopy to protect your baby from the sun butt you have to buy it separately.
Pros
Portable
Easy to install
Lightweight
Blocks UV Rays
Cons
Canopy is bought separately
29. KidKraft GreyStone Cottage Playhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly
At a very young age, this product can help your babies enhance their social skills especially when they play with you, their siblings, or other babies. Additionally, their emotional health can also be developed when they use this product. If you want to make your babies have a pure physical and imaginative play, then, this product is recommended for you.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Durable
Spacious
The doorbell is working like a real thing
Cons
It is pricey but why not get it since it is durable? Your older kids will enjoy it, too.
30. Keter Wonder Fold Children’s Folding Playouse
If you are a parent who does not want to take much time in assembling things, then, this product might be your friend. This playhouse is foldable and it can be stored easily after use.
Pros
Foldable
Easy to store
Working doors and windows
Cons
No cons as of the moment
Simple Baby Products for Backyard
31. Green Toys Dump Truck
This simple product will surely be loved by your babies while they are staying in your backyard. This one is a basic toy that can encourage creativity and imagination. It is made from toxic free materials so you have that assurance that your babies will never experience irritation while playing it.
Pros
BPA-free
PVC-free
Phthalate-free
Durable
Easy to clean
Cons
A little bit pricey for a simple toy
32. Little Tikes Easyscore Basketball Set
Inside your home or in your backyard, this product is perfect to use! It allows your babies to love basketball without having them to aim high. The hoop is adjustable and it comes with 3 pieces of basketballs. Surely, 1 year old to 5 year old boys and girls will love this one.
Pros
Easy to use
Adjustable hoop
Affordable
Cons
The stand falls easily so you have to put something that will make it stand harder
33. Little Tikes Rocking Horse
This simple product can be shared by your kids. Installing it is easy and fast and you do not even have to remove it in your backyard!
Pros
Easy to assemble
Lightweight
Cons
No cons, just make sure that your kids are really balanced when they play
34. Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can
If you want your babies to enjoy water without submerging them in a pool, this simple product is a great option for them. This product can interest a child not just with water play but also with nature.
Pros
Simple and easy to use
Made from toxic-free materials
Cons
Just make sure your babies won’t drink the water!
35. Pop Up Play Tent with Tunnel
This simple product will surely fit your backyard! This product does not need to be assembled. It is foldable and all you have to do is to unfold it and allow your babies to crawl inside it.
Pros
Foldable
No assembly required
Dirt resistant
Easy to clean
Cons
Balls are not included
36. Little Tikes Bright n’ Bold Table and Chairs
This simple product is a classic, all-time favorite! You can leave it in your backyard and place it there permanently. Surely, as your babies grow older, your backyard will be their favorite part of the house.
Pros
Simple and easy to use
Easy to clean
No need to install and uninstall it
Durable
Cons
It is just a chair and a table but it fits any backyard perfectly
Baby Slides Products for Backyard
37. Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
For learning babies, this slide is the perfect choice! It offers your babies not just enjoyment but also learning such as enhancement of his or her balancing, coordination, and visual skills. Additionally, this slide is very low to the ground which makes it perfect for your child to experience a safe sliding experience.
Pros
Low to the ground
Enhances balance of your child
Low-profile design
Cons
A bit pricey for its simple design
38. Step2 Up and Down Roller Coaster
During this quarantine and time of the pandemic, there is no reason for you not to make your backyard an amusement park for your babies! This product allows your child to enjoy playing in a safe way. If you still aren’t sure if you will allow your babies to ride on it, you can just make them be mesmerized on the up-and-down movement of the car alone!
Pros
Affordable
Kind of educational
Fun to use
Easy to assemble
Easy to clean
Cons
Not for babies who cannot sit on their own yet
Pricey
39. Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center
This product offers a lot features aside from the slide. It has a basketball hoop and ball, football, and soccer ball. It can actually be a training tool for your babies to learn about numbers and it can also teach them how to become independent when they play.
Pros
Comes with a lot of features
Comes with a complete set
Easy to assemble
Durable
Cons
Pricey
40. Little Tikes Jr. Play Slide
This Little Tikes slide product is perfect for babies. It is just a small slide that is low to the ground. It is easy to assemble and it will surely look good in your backyard.
Pros
Safe to use
Low to the ground
Easy to clean
Easy to assemble
Cons
Always supervise your babies when they use this slide because why not?
Baby Sand Products for Backyard
41. Little Tikes Turtle Round Sandbox
Sandboxes are really great in your backyard because they are fun to use and very educational. This product has a built-in molded chair for your babies and kids and is secured to use.
Pros
Comes with a built-in seat
Has a secured cover which you can put after playing
Cons
Not for babies who like to put stuff on their mouth
Kind of messy to use
Sand is not included
42. Activity Sandbox with Canopy
This product is actually a great tool to widen your baby’s curiosity and improve his or her motor skills. It is very sturdy and durable. However, sandbox products like this are kind of messy to use when your backyard is not sand or grass kind-of-backyard too.
Pros
Safe to use
Can enhance motor skills
Comes with a canopy
Cons
Not for babies who like to put stuff on their mouth
Kind of messy to use
43. Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
If you do not want your babies to sit on sandboxes, you can actually choose this one. This product is sand table that includes pails and shovels. It also comes with a cover that you can use after playing.
Pros
Comes with a cover
Comes with accessories
Cons
Kind of messy to use but not that messy compared to floor sandboxes
Not for babies who like to put stuff on their mouth
Baby Trampoline Products for Backyard
44. Round Backyard Trampoline with Safety Enclosure
Who says trampolines are only for older kids and adults? This product is perfect for all ages including babies! It comes with a foam pad which makes it a safe product to use by your little ones. This product is also durable and it can stand UV rays and any other weathers! So, you do not even have to install and uninstall it!
Pros
Comes with a mesh enclosure
Durable
Filled with foams
Can stand the UV rays and any other weathers
Cons
It takes around two hours to assemble it
45. Trampoline with Basketball Hoop
If you want to make jumping in a trampoline to the next level, consider this product as one of you choices. This trampoline comes with a basketball hoop with your babies will surely enjoy. It has a mesh enclosure which gives you an assurance that your baby will never fall down. It can be easily installed but only2 kids can accommodate it.
Pros
Easy to install
Comes with a mesh enclosure
Durable and sturdy
Cons
Only two kids can fit inside
The Takeaway
Indeed, buying your baby backyard product is not that easy. If you haven’t been able to choose one yet, here are my top five picks: Splash EZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Bounceland Jump and Splash Adventure, , , and Pop Up Play Tent with Tunnel.
FAQs
What can I make in my backyard?
Usually, pools and water toys and products can be installed in your backyard. Depending on the season and weather, you can actually put different backyard products for your baby such as playhouses and slides.
How can I make backyard more fun?
If you are thinking of your babies when you think of this question, you can actually make your backyard more fun by installing or using baby-friendly products such as water splashes or water parks.
How can I make my backyard nice for cheap?
Your backyard can look elegant and cozy even if you install cheap products. You can buy simple baby backyard products such as baby chairs and tables, mini pools, and swings. Surely, your backyard will never look dull again!
[1] Lang-Runtz, H. E. A. T. H. E. R. “Preventing accidents in the home.” Canadian Medical Association Journal 129.5 (1983): 482.
[2] Stofer, Kathryn A., and Christina Rios. “Contextualizing Science Learning through Agricultural Free-Choice Learning Opportunities in Your Backyard.” Science Educator 26.2 (2018): 114-121.
[3] Kays, Jonathan, et al. “The woods in your backyard: learning to create and enhance natural areas around your home (PALS 2-FRONT MATTER ONLY).” (2015).
[4] Day, Ralph L., and Stephen B. Ash. “Consumer response to dissatisfaction with durable products.” ACR North American Advances (1979).
[5] Hajat, Shakoor, et al. “Outdoor air pollution and infant mortality: analysis of daily time-series data in 10 English cities.” Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 61.8 (2007): 719-722.
[6] Clemens, Tessa, et al. “A population based study of drowning in Canada.” BMC Public Health 16.1 (2016): 1-8.