Baby Proof Your Home – 9 Useful Tips

The majority of babies will be crawling confidently by the time they are eight months old and once they are on the move, their little adventures can be dangerous if you and your home are unprepared for their antics!

With this in mind, we have collated a useful checklist for you, exploring some of the key areas that need to be baby proofed around your home, to ensure the safety your little one.

#1 The Danger Of Electrical Outlets 

It is very important to protect your little one from the danger of exposed electrical outlets. The best way to approach this is with outlet covers that will prevent your child from inserting their fingers or other objects into the wall socket.

Choose standard plug covers from a reputable supplier or go one-step further and fit lockable outlet covers, fitted with a sliding safety latch.

#2 Secure Windows 

Toddlers enjoy climbing and open or easily opened windows can therefore present a danger. Fit window locks and guards to prevent accidents and pay close attention to any balcony areas, removing any objects or items that your child could potentially climb on.

#3 Take Caution With Furniture

Heavy items of ffurniture, especially dressers and bookcases can be hazardous to a child who is exploring and using items to pull themselves up. These potential hazards are usually best resolved by securely attaching the furniture to the wall. Another effective approach to this problem is to place the heaviest items at the bottom of shelves, making furniture less top-heavy and minimising the risk of it falling.

Sharp corners are an extremely common hazard for little ones, especially those found on tables. Make sure all sharp corners and edges are covered to soften any impact that may occur.  

#4 Install Baby Gates 

Once your little one starts crawling, it will not be long before they start having encounters with stairs, and begin to explore other boundaries as they gain the ability to venture outside or enter rooms that you would rather they stayed out of. This is a time when installing baby gates in key areas can offer great peace of mind!

There are many different types of gates to choose from, but the most secure design is one that can be screwed securely into a wall or frame.

 #5 Pay Close Attention To Cords

Blinds, along with any other item that has a hanging cord can pose a huge threat of strangulation to your child. It is essential to ensure that your little one cannot access any hanging cords, by keeping them well out of reach to prevent accidents.

#6 Safety In The Bathroom 

Purchase a non-slip bath mat to prevent your child from slipping at bath time. An energetic little one covered in soap can become astonishingly slippery! When you have an active little one in the bathroom it is important not to allow them to roam around the bathroom whilst wet, as there is a good chance that they could slip on a wet floor.

#7 Toxic Products

Products such as cleaning products, bug sprays and medications should be locked away in cabinets, and kept way out of the reach of curious little hands. Many of these substances can be harmful and in some cases life threatening.

#8 Pet Cats Can Present A Danger

Many cats will actively avoid all children, whereas others will be keen to snuggle up with any warm little bundle!

This can be incredibly dangerous to a baby who may not be strong enough to push a sleeping cat away from their face. To be perfectly safe, it is best to keep your pets out of your baby’s room whilst they are asleep.

#9 Even A Small Vessel Of Water Can Present A Huge Danger 

Young children are top-heavy and do not understand the dangers that water can present to them as they explore the world around them.

We all know the obvious dangers of larger bodies of water such as bathtub or swimming pool, however it is crucial to securely cover, (or empty), buckets and vessels of water, or any other liquid once you have finished using them, as these too can be dangerous.