How to Babyproof Your Home: Our Babyproofing Checklist

It's never too early to start babyproofing your home. Most experts recommend beginning the process when your baby is around six months old or as soon as they start showing signs of mobility, such as rolling over, attempting to crawl or walking. Early preparation ensures your home is ready before your child becomes fully mobile. It's always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to your child's safety.

How To Babyproof Your Home

Starting the babyproofing process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable tasks can make it feel more achievable. Here are some essential babyproofing tips:

  1. Babyproofing stairs: To prevent falls, install sturdy baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Ensure the gates are securely mounted and cannot be easily dislodged by curious hands.
  2. Babyproofing cabinets: Use childproof latches on all cabinets and drawers within your child’s reach. This prevents access to potentially dangerous items like cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and small items that could be a choking hazard.
  3. Babyproofing electrical outlets and cords: Insert outlet covers into all accessible electrical outlets and use cord shorteners or clips to keep cords out of reach. Unplug appliances when not in use and hide cords to avoid entanglement.
  4. Babyproofing fireplaces: Install a baby gate around the hearth to prevent access. Use corner protectors on the edges of the fireplace to avoid injuries from bumps and falls.
  5. How to babyproof drawers: Secure all drawers with safety latches to prevent them from being pulled out, which could lead to injuries or access to hazardous items.

How To Babyproof Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a high-risk area for babies and toddlers. Here are some specific babyproofing tips for this space:

  1. Properly store sharp utensils: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a locked drawer or high cabinet out of reach.
  2. Use door latches: Install door latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent access to potentially dangerous items like cleaning products and small appliances.
  3. Stove safeguards: Use stove knob covers and a stove guard to prevent little hands from turning on burners or pulling hot pots off the stove.
  4. Unplug and hide appliances: When not in use, unplug small appliances and store them out of reach.

How To Babyproof Your Nursery

The nursery should be a safe and soothing environment for your baby. Here are some tips to ensure it stays that way:

  1. Cot safety: Position the cot away from other furniture, windows, window furnishings, and wall decorations to prevent climbing and falling. Keep toys and soft bedding out of the cot to reduce the risk of suffocation.
  2. Furniture anchors: Use furniture anchors to secure dressers, bookshelves, and other heavy furniture to the wall. This prevents tipping if your child attempts to climb them.
  3. Electrical safety: Cover power outlets and keep cords out of reach to prevent electrical hazards.

How To Babyproof Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces can be just as hazardous as indoor areas. Here’s how to keep your baby safe outside:

  1. Move gardening tools: Store gardening tools in a locked garage or shed to keep them out of reach.
  2. Remove toxic plants: Identify and remove any toxic plants from your garden to prevent accidental ingestion.
  3. Add baby gates to outdoor steps: Just like indoor stairs, use baby gates to block access to outdoor steps and prevent falls.

Babyproofing your home is an ongoing process that evolves as your child grows. By following our babyproofing checklist, you can ensure your home is a safer place for your little one to explore and grow. These proactive steps will give you peace of mind and allow your child to thrive in a secure environment. Remember, however, that it's always a good idea to consult with medical professionals if you have any concerns about your child's safety. Check out more helpful tips for first time mums here.