[sarah1983jane]

Hi, I have a 15month old son who is very free range and loves to copy mummy and do gardening. Obviously I know about the risks from heavy/sharp tools and chemicals etc but does anyone know what else I should look out for? Particularly bugs as he likes to pick up and look at worms and beetles. He washes he hands regularly and generally does not put stuff in his mouth. I know about the danger of tics but no animals here, wasps n bees can sting, lady birds bite....any other stuff I should worry about?

[mumofstig]

Mine survived despite eating soil at the put-everything-in-your-mouth-stage   

[allotmentann]

The only thing I can think of that I would be very cautious about if you have cats around your garden is Toxoplasmosis. If cats use your garden as a litter tray there will be a risk of it being present in the soil. It is a very small risk that your little one will become ill because of it, especially if they have learned good hygiene practises. The most likely symptom would be a nasty tuummy upset, but it can  be much more serious. I recently met a lady who had become blind because of it. As I say, it is very rare, but does need to be considered. I too grew up playing in the soil with no ill effects (although I have to confess I was never the sort of little girl who would put dirty hands in her mouth either!).
http://www.fabcats.org/cat_group/policy_statements/toxo.html

[Springlands]

As well as bugs you should consider if there are any poisonous plants in your garden that might be tempting - you can get a list by using Google. For example daffodils bulbs are poisonous but look similar to onions. And the seeds of lupins could be mistaken for peas - nearly did that as a child but was caught just in time.

[grinling]

Threadworm, so it might help to talk bottom itching and have medicine in.

[mumofstig]

Threadworm? - They can get that without going anywhere near the garden 

[Aunt Sally]

Threadworm, so it might help to talk bottom itching and have medicine in.

Threadworms only infect humans and can't be caught from animals!