Is mud safe? Germs, cuts, sun and what to keep out of the soil

Mud play is about as safe as most backyard play, as long as you get a few things right. Most of them are about what goes into the mud, not the mud itself.

In short: use garden soil, sand or clay rather than bagged potting mix; keep animal droppings and chemicals out; don’t build with old treated pine; cover cuts; mind the sun; and wash hands afterwards.

Skip the bagged potting mix

This is the one most people don’t know. Bagged potting mix and compost can carry Legionella bacteria, and cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Australia have been linked to handling it. The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel advises wearing a mask and gloves when handling soil, compost or potting mix, and washing hands carefully afterwards. That’s sensible for gardening adults and impractical for a toddler making soup.

So for the mud kitchen, use:

• Garden soil from a part of the yard that isn’t used by pets and hasn’t been sprayed.
• Washed play sand for a grittier mix.
• Clay, either dug from the garden or bought as natural modelling clay, for smooth, mouldable mud.

See mud recipes for mixes that work.

Keep out of the soil

• Animal droppings. Choose a spot dogs and cats don’t use, and cover a sandpit or soil tub overnight.
• Garden chemicals. Don’t use soil from beds that have had snail bait, weed killer or fertiliser.
• Sharp bits. Rake through for glass, nails, wire and sharp stones before the first play session.
• Toxic plants. If children add “ingredients” from the garden, make sure what’s growing nearby is safe. Ask your nursery if you’re unsure what something is.

Tetanus, cuts and splinters

Tetanus bacteria live in soil, which is one reason the childhood vaccination schedule includes it. Check your child’s immunisations are up to date. Cover cuts and grazes before play, and wash any new scratch with soap and clean water. healthdirect has more on when a wound needs a tetanus booster.

For the kitchen itself, sand rough edges, round off corners and check regularly for splinters and lifting screws, especially after rain.

Timber: no CCA-treated pine

Copper chrome arsenic (CCA) treated pine contains arsenic. The national regulator, the APVMA, has not allowed it for new children’s play equipment, garden furniture, picnic tables or domestic decking handrails since 2006. Old treated pine fence palings and sleepers are still around, so don’t reuse them for a mud kitchen. Our guide to safe timber and finishes has the details, including how to check pallets.

Sun and heat

Australian sun is strong even on cloudy days. Put the kitchen in shade where you can (see where to put your mud kitchen), and follow the usual SunSmart routine: hat, sunscreen, clothing that covers shoulders, and water to drink. Metal pots and benches left in summer sun can get hot enough to burn, so check them before play.

Water

Small children can drown in very little water. Never leave a child alone with a filled tub, bucket or water trough, and empty containers after play. Use a tap or a small jug rather than a deep basin for toddlers.

Allergies and eczema

Some children with eczema find mud drying or irritating. Try a short session, rinse afterwards and moisturise. If your child has a known allergy (for example to some plants or latex), keep those out of the play area.

A simple cleaning routine

• After play: rinse pots and utensils with the hose, tip out standing water, wash hands with soap.
• Weekly: scrub utensils in hot soapy water, rake the soil, check for droppings and sharp objects.
• Monthly: check the kitchen for splinters, loose screws and rot; re-oil the timber if it looks dry.

Educators can find a fuller version in the free EYLF planning kit, including a cleaning schedule you can adapt for your service.