General Baby-Proofing Tips
Start early: Begin baby-proofing your home well before your baby starts to crawl. This will give you ample time to address any potential hazards and make necessary changes.
Get down to their level: To identify potential risks, get down on your hands and knees and view your home from your baby's perspective. This will help you spot potential dangers that you might not see from a standing position.
Keep an eye out for choking hazards: Small objects that can easily fit inside your baby's mouth pose a significant choking risk. Regularly inspect your home for any items that could be hazardous and store them securely out of reach.
Use safety gates: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases and in any other areas where you want to restrict your baby's access.
Anchor heavy furniture: Secure tall or heavy furniture items, like bookcases and dressers, to the wall to prevent them from toppling over onto your baby.
Baby-Proofing the Living Room
Secure electrical outlets: Cover all electrical outlets with outlet covers or safety plugs to prevent your baby from inserting their fingers or objects into the sockets.
Hide cords and wires: Use cord covers or cable organisers to keep cords and wires out of reach and prevent your baby from getting tangled or tripping on them.
Cushion sharp edges: Apply edge guards or corner protectors to furniture with sharp edges or corners, like coffee tables and TV stands.
Secure window treatments: Replace corded window blinds with cordless options or use a cord cleat to keep cords out of reach. Ensure that curtain rods are securely anchored to the wall.
Install a fireplace guard: If your living room has a fireplace, install a fireplace guard or hearth cushion to prevent burns and protect your baby from sharp edges.
Baby-Proofing the Kitchen
Install cabinet and drawer locks: Use childproof locks on cabinets and drawers that contain dangerous items like cleaning supplies, knives, and heavy cookware.
Keep appliances out of reach: Store small appliances, like toasters and blenders, out of reach when not in use. Use appliance locks on larger appliances, such as ovens and refrigerators.
Stove and oven safety: Install a stove guard to prevent your baby from accidentally turning on the burners and use an oven lock to keep them from opening the oven door.
Secure tablecloths and placemats: Opt for placemats instead of tablecloths, as your baby could pull on a tablecloth and cause items to fall.
Store breakables and hazardous items out of reach: Keep breakable items, like glassware and china, on high shelves or in locked cabinets. Store hazardous items, like alcohol and medications, in a locked cupboard.
Baby-Proofing the Bathroom
Install toilet locks: Use a toilet lock to prevent your baby from opening the toilet lid and potentially falling in.
Set your water heater temperature: Adjust your water heater's temperature to no higher than 49°C to prevent scalding.
Use non-slip bath mats: Place non-slip bath mats inside and outside the bathtub to prevent slips and falls.
Store toiletries and medications securely: Keep all toiletries and medications in locked cabinets or high out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Unplug and store electrical appliances: Unplug and store items like hairdryers and curling irons when not in use to prevent burns and electrical hazards.
Baby-Proofing the Bedroom
Choose a safe cot: Ensure your baby's cot meets safety standards, with appropriate spacing between slats and a firm, well-fitting mattress. Avoid using cot bumpers, as they can pose suffocation risks.
Secure furniture and décor: Anchor dressers, bookshelves, and any other heavy furniture to the wall. Keep decorative items, like picture frames and ornaments, out of your baby's reach to prevent accidents.
Install window guards: Install window guards or stops to prevent your baby from opening windows and potentially falling out. Always keep windows locked when not in use.
Remove potential climbing hazards: Ensure that there are no items, such as chairs or step stools, that your baby could use to climb and gain access to unsafe areas.
Create a toy storage system: Use bins or shelves to store toys and other items, making sure that they are easily accessible for your child but not placed in a way that could pose a tipping or climbing hazard.
By following these comprehensive baby-proofing tips, parents can create a safe and secure home environment for their little ones. Regularly reassess your home as your child grows and reaches new developmental milestones, and remember that no amount of baby-proofing can replace active supervision. By being proactive and vigilant, you can help ensure that your home is a safe space for your baby to explore and grow.