Safety Tips: 7 Easy Steps to Babyproofing your House

It might only feel like yesterday since you brought your bundle of joy home from the hospital, but it won’t be long until they’re chatting away and exploring the house. Since you never know what to expect from your little one, the best time to start baby proofing your house...is right now.

You’ve probably read multiple online forums or visited parent groups that can have you feeling a little overwhelmed. Do you really need so many babyproofing supplies?!

The good news is that you don’t need to go overboard. Your baby can help turn your house into a home, and these 7 simple steps to babyproofing your house means you won’t have to spend a fortune in making it a safe space for your mini adventurer. 

1. Consider things from a baby’s eye view

By that, we literally mean get on your hands and knees so you can view the place as a crawling toddler would see it. What obvious hazards can you see? What are you tempted to touch and play with? This first step is vital to cover all the primary dangers.

For example, make sure all chemicals and cleaning products are out of reach or in a locked cupboard, add corner guards to sharp edges and place baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Secure heavy, climbable furniture to the floor or walls with furniture straps.

2. Cover all plug outlets

Plug outlets are tempting for tiny baby fingers when your child is in the phase of investigating absolutely everything. Plug outlet covers are affordable and will put your mind at ease, so ensure all outlets are safely covered and away from kids’ hands!

3. Check your detectors

This stage is something we should all be doing regularly anyway - but if you tend to forget to check your detectors, now is the perfect time to get updated.

Install a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector on every level of your house. If you already have them, give them a test and make sure the batteries are working. On the same topic, consider purchasing a fire extinguisher and learning how to use it.

4. Baby-proof the kitchen

The kitchen is arguably the most hazardous room in any house, and as soon as your little one starts crawling, it’s time to make sure nothing can go wrong in there. With all the knives, open flames and heat, it’s enough to fill any parent with anxiety!

So, where can you start? Safety latches are handy, to keep the contents of your cupboards out of reach. However, some can be fiddly, so you might find it easier to rearrange your cupboards. Keep safe items low down and move all glassware, knives, medicines, cleaning products etc. to a higher level. 

Once your baby is walking and reaching up, you could consider buying things like knob covers and burner guards.

5. Baby-proof the living room

The living room is likely to be where you spend most of your time, so make sure it’s safe and comfy for your little angel.

All sharp corners and plug outlets should already be taken care of, but if you have an open fireplace, a fire guard is also necessary. Blind pulls are a strangulation hazard, and plugs and wires are dangerous, too. Make sure pulls are tied back and cords are tied down with tape to avoid any trips.

Why not give them their own cute space to hang out in the living room with a kids armchair?

6. Baby-proof the bathroom

The bathroom is full of soaps, razors and other electrical gadgets, so your main priority here is keeping them out of reach or in a locked cabinet. You could also consider a toilet lock and a non-slip bath mat for when they’re old enough to stand up in there by themselves!

7. Safety-proof the baby’s room

Finally - the children’s bedroom. While they might spend most of their time snoozing and dreaming, most toddlers can’t resist a good nighttime adventure when they wake up.

Keep their nursery safe with outlet covers and furniture that is secured to the wall or floor. Remove all potential suffocating hazards out of the crib - this includes blankets and stuffed toys - and look for finger pinch guards for that door.

As your little one grows, you’ll learn what piques their interest and you’ll be able to add additional safety features here and there. In the meantime, enjoy watching them explore and enjoy your home!