Sandbox=bad idea?

erinms

I want to get DS a sandbox for his 2nd birthday, but I am worried that I am inviting an enormous mess into the house (dragging sand in on his feet, clothes, all over the yard, etc).

If you have a sandbox, do you notice that this is an issue?  Do you have any tips to deal with it? 

shopgirl78

No, not a big mess in the house at least it relatively easy to clean (vacuum) however it does get poured all over the yard...

ETA:  We got it when DD was about 14-15 months, I believe. 

shalanek01@aol.com

We built a huge one with large sides so that it doesnt get pushed out easy. It is far enough away from the house that sand doesnt get drug in. I just really tried to drill it into ds1 to shake and wipe himself off when he gets out of the sandbox

second_time_around_4_me

I would be more concerned with what's in the sand.  If you don't keep it tightly covered, it can actually be pretty dangerous for kids because residue ends up in it, as well as roundworm eggs, etc.  A lot of play sand also contains crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen.  I learned that when I was taking some ECE classes.  That said, I'm sure it would be fine as long as you keep it clean and covered.  If you buy sand, just check the bag for any warnings.  I see you live in California, so they have to list that. 

erinms

second_time_around_4_me:

I would be more concerned with what's in the sand.  If you don't keep it tightly covered, it can actually be pretty dangerous for kids because residue ends up in it, as well as roundworm eggs, etc.  A lot of play sand also contains crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen.  I learned that when I was taking some ECE classes.  That said, I'm sure it would be fine as long as you keep it clean and covered.  If you buy sand, just check the bag for any warnings.  I see you live in California, so they have to list that. 

Yes, a friend just looked into all of these issues for her sandbox and ultimately figured out that the playsand they sell locally is completely fine.  Also, we will keep it covered.

Anyways, there is no way that we will be able to keep DS from sand.  He literally wakes up in the morning and say "truck, digging?", so I think at least at home we know that it will be safe sand and kept covered, etc.

brideofscowboy

DS got a sandbox for his 1st birthday. He loves it. He would live in it if I let him. We just dust him off really well before he comes in. When he really got into the dirt we just hose him down in the shower.

I do suggest keeping it covered though. Otherwise it may become the community litter box which is just disgusting.

erinms

KateB1984:

We put in a gravel pit instead. We actually put it around our whole playground as a soft surface in case the kids fall, but the kids use it to dig in with trucks instead of sand. It's just pea gravel. I got the idea from DS1's friend who had a little sandbox-size one. I love it - it's not used as a litter box by neighbourhood cats, and the gravel just falls of their clothes. It's a big hit with all the kids who come over to play.

Just an alternative idea if you're interested!

First of all, I wish we had enough room for a playground!  We have a postage stamp size yard. 

But, still the gravel is a great idea.  We'll look into that, and probably still keep it covered anyways. 

jesssy1204

I would buy one that has a lid so cats dont use it as a litter box..

SLO2005

My DS has a sandbox that my DH built and he loves it (when there is not 10 feet of snow on it... I live in New England) Awesome idea my DH did if you make your own for a cover he used plastic lattice and That is way animals stay out but sand still gets cleaned by rain.

LiebeMama

As kids, we always had uncovered sandboxes and never had a problem with it. BUT, I think I'm a bit more paranoid so I like the idea of a covered sandbox. Thanks for the idea! I think my DS is still too young for a sandbox, he's 17 months and still wants to put everything in his mouth.