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Now that she can crawl, Sammy has just discovered that there is a world outside of her crib and playpen. She can scoot around the house and find wonderful things. Like when Mum is cooking, she rushes into the kitchen and straight for a cabinet door that stands half open. 

Next thing, there’s a crash and a wail. Sammy managed to pull a pot down and it landed on her foot. 

It’s never too early to babyproof your home. To keep your little one safe, you should take the same amount of time to babyproof your home.

Why is baby proofing important?

Babies are curious. As soon as they’re mobile, they go out and explore. And you don’t want them learning the hard way.

A baby can get into and at things you won’t even notice. Electric sockets are often set low in the wall – at baby height. Coffee tables are just the right height for babies to pull themselves up on. Toddlers can easily reach onto a kitchen counter. Babies also pick up just about anything and put it into their mouths.

Where should you babyproof?

When it comes to babyproofing, the answer is ‘everywhere’. Don’t think you only have to take precautions in the rooms where the baby usually goes. Your little one won’t understand they can’t go into the study, for example. 

Get down to their level

Get down to a baby’s level. Crawl around your home and look at what you see and can reach – below and above. You’ll be amazed at what you find that you’d never think about. 

A good rule-of-thumb is, if you can reach it from on all fours, then your baby/toddler is also likely to do so.

Corners

On your crawl around, be very aware of any corners that stick out at baby/toddler height. You’ll need to make sure these are covered by something soft or rounded, so that your baby won’t bash their heads.

How to babyproof your home

Electricity

You need to make sure that your baby cannot get at any electrical socket, switch or appliance. If you keep a socket plugged into the wall, say for the TV, then that specific socket will be safe. 

You can buy covers for unused electrical sockets that sit flush with the surface of the mount. Even a toddler won’t be able to take them out. 

Make sure that any electrical appliance is well out of your toddler’s reach, or at least well secured. You can, for example, buy special straps to secure the TV to the wall.

Baby safety gates

When your baby is mobile, install safety gates at entrances or places where they mustn’t go on their own. The top and bottom of a flight of stairs is an obvious choice. So are doors to the outside. In the yard, make sure your swimming pool is fenced and has a gate a toddler can’t open.

You can also install gates across the door to those ‘forbidden’ rooms. 

Closets and cabinets

You can buy special clips that you attach to the closet or cabinet door, which even a toddler will not be able to open. Don’t stop at the kitchen. Make sure that any door at baby height is locked with a baby proof lock. 

Bigger doors, like those on closets, usually come with keys, so keep them locked. 

Windows

If the larger windows and glass doors in your house aren’t made of safety glass, you should consider replacing them. For windows that open, you can buy special guards that won’t allow them to open more than a few inches – less space than a baby could fall through.

Drapes and blinds

All blinds and some drapes come with cords. And a toddler can definitely get themselves wrapped up in the cord. Make sure they are kept out of baby reach.

Cleaning and bathroom products

Keep all your cleaning products either kept above your little one’s reach, or in a closet they cannot open. The same goes for the bathroom. Keep all your potions and lotions out of their way. And put clasps on the laundry room and bathroom cupboards. 

Tables and other surfaces

Get rid of tablecloths, runners or anything else a baby can pull on. They will bring the contents of the table down on themselves.

Remove anything that is remotely dangerous for a baby from lower tables and take care with what you put near the edges of higher tables or even on beds.

House

When you bring your little one home for the first time, taking proactive measures to ensure the entirety of your house, including the yard and gutters, is crucial. A safe and child-friendly environment begins with the exterior of your home. 

By maintaining a well-kept yard, free from hazards such as sharp objects, toxic plants, or uneven surfaces, you create a secure space for your baby to explore as they grow. Additionally, regularly inspecting and cleaning the gutters can prevent water accumulation and potential damage to the house, mitigating any risk of leaks or structural issues that could pose a threat to your baby’s safety. If you’re interested in learning more, visit guttersupply.

Installing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases, securing furniture to walls, and covering electrical outlets are just a few essential steps to prevent accidents. 

Let your baby feel safe

You should create one space in your home where your baby will be safe and unrestricted. This may be a playpen for younger kids, or even a whole room as they get older. 

The key to babyproofing is to be aware

The real clue to babyproofing your home is to remain aware. You’ll be surprised what a baby can get into, so make sure you keep your attention on them.

And never, ever, let your baby move around your home all alone.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates