Did you know that your child's sand cookies can be full of parasites? Old sandboxes can give off harmful fumes that can cause cancer, and the sand can contain chemicals. A sandbox provides hours of fun and creative play, and is one of those investments you'll enjoy for years to come. Therefore, the conditions in the sandbox must be good and the sand must be clean. Get advice on how to make sure your child's sandpit is healthy and safe, providing the best environment for many hours of fun play.

Here you can find good and easy advice on how to keep your child's sandpit healthy and safe.

When the sandbox is covered, the sand stays clean and fine for longer, as leaves and dirt do not mix so easily with the sand. It also prevents cats, mice and foxes from entering the sandbox. In other words, you should cover your sandbox with a lid as soon as it is not in use. A lidded sandpit can be covered at night or if it is not used for long periods. During the winter months, the sandpit may not be used every day, and during the summer holidays there are often a few weeks when you are not at home.

Remember that air must be able to get to the sand:

The important thing is that air can get to the sand so that it can dry. Otherwise, moisture and condensation will form under the lid, creating a breeding ground for fungus and mould.

Lid or cover for the sandbox can be

• Wooden trough
• Cover
• Net for sandbox

Sandbox with lid in wood

A wooden trough works well as air can still get to the sand. It is useful if the lid can be folded up and used as a seat. This gives the children a good, dry place to sit when they play, and also saves having to move a heavy, unwieldy lid around. The sandbox is in larch wood, which is the recommended wood for sandboxes.

Cover for sandbox

Many sandboxes come with a cover that fits the size and shape of the sandbox. If it is very windy, you can place 1-2 medium-sized stones on top of your sandpit cover to prevent it from blowing away.

Be aware that a cover does not allow air to get to the sand, so remember to take it off occasionally if there is a long period when the sandpit is not in use. On the other hand, a cover is effective at keeping leaves and debris away from the sandpit.

Net for sandbox

It may be a good idea to use a sandbox net to cover it. It prevents animals from getting through to the sand, while letting plenty of air through. Some sandboxes come with a cover, which also works well for covering the sandbox. A cover keeps the sandbox tight and prevents leaves and other debris from settling on top of the sandbox and mixing with the sand. The bottom of the sandbox should allow water to drain away from the sand, but at the same time prevent weeds from growing up in the sandbox. A sandbox with internal ground cover is therefore preferable. You can buy a cheap sandbox net at 10-4 construction market.

• The sand should be replaced at least once a year

Health authorities recommend that sand for sandboxes be replaced at least once a year for hygiene reasons. When children play in the sandpit, they may eat fruit or biscuits, which are then mixed with the sand. If the sandbox has not been covered, there is a risk that mice, foxes or cats have roamed in the sand in the sandbox, leaving droppings and bacteria behind. It can therefore be a toxic mouthful if your child tastes sand in the sandpit. You can get rid of old sand by putting it in bags that are not too heavy to carry and then taking them to the recycling centre.

Make sure the sandbox is not placed directly under a tree, where leaves and other debris can fall directly into the sandbox. Place it in an open area where you can also supervise your child. Keep a parasol by the sandpit so your child is not in direct sunlight. Sand can't be avoided next to the sandbox, so you may not want to place it right next to your favourite bed, which will be filled with sand.

Sand for the sandbox is fine and does not contain stones. It dries quickly and is good for making sandcastles and sand cakes.

It may be tempting to pick up free sand from gravel pits or industry, but this is discouraged by health authorities as the sand may be dirty and contain chemical residues.

Therefore, buy sand for the sandbox in DIY stores. You can also order it online - e.g. here - so you don't have to lug it home yourself. When buying sand for sandboxes, look for the designations

• beach sand
• washed sand

The sand is often bought in 15 litre bags. If you need a lot of sand, you can buy a trailer full for pick-up.

Sand for the sandbox is fine and does not contain stones. It dries quickly and is good for making sandcastles and sand cakes.

It may be tempting to pick up free sand from gravel pits or industry, but this is discouraged by health authorities as the sand may be dirty and contain chemical residues.

Therefore, buy sand for the sandbox in DIY stores. You can also order it online - e.g. here - so you don't have to lug it home yourself. When buying sand for sandboxes, look for the designations

• beach sand
• washed sand

The sand is often bought in 15 litre bags. If you need a lot of sand, you can buy a trailer full for pick-up.

The sandbox should be made of a material that does not give off toxic fumes or sharp edges. Soft wood without dangerous splinters or rough edges is best. It is also an advantage if the child can sit on the edge of the sandpit, where it is dry and comfortable.

What you need to know about pressure-treated wood

Many sandboxes are made of pressure-treated wood. The wood has undergone a chemical process that makes it durable and suitable for outdoor use for many years. Make sure the pressure-treated wood is approved and meets safety standards. All sandboxes in pressure-treated wood at Sundleg is free of harmful chemicals.

What to avoid...

Avoid sandboxes made from railway sleepers or telephone poles, as they have been found to give off toxic chemicals. Sandboxes made of soft wood with rounded corners are preferable. Fortunately, these have been phased out of playgrounds.