Babyproofing/Childproofing

When your child starts crawling then it is time to start Baby Proofing your home. You will quickly discover that your crawling child is extremely inquisitive and your house is filled with potential safety hazards. Babyproofing is also known as Childproofing and it involves making the environment safe for children. Childproofing your home will greatly reduce the risk of injury or accidents for your baby. As parents get access to more information they are taking babyproofing their home much more seriously.

Why Babyproofing your home is necessary?

Babyproofing is necessary for to keep your baby safe. Once they start crawling you will have to take several measures to ensure they do not have an accident at home.

How to baby proof your home?

The Baby Proofing Checklist – 31 Potential hazards and Safety Tips

1.Electricity

Children are fascinated with electrical sockets. The second that they start crawling they go for the power outlets. To prevent this from happening you need to buy outlet covers or block all unused sockets with unmovable furniture. Another safety hazard for children is any electrical household items. Thes include irons, dryers, toasters etc. Thes appliances can be dangerous on two fronts, electrocution and strangulation from the chords. Keep them out of site or safely stowed away.

2.Chemicals

Anything containing a hazardous warning sign on the package should be kept out of reach of children. Put all cleaning agents, toiletries, laundry detergent and all potentially dangerous items under lock and key.

3.Medicine

Most prescription drugs will be extremely dangerous for your child. Ensure your medicine cabinet is not accessible for your child. This is not just for babies but applies to children as they get older. Painkillers and anti-depressants are highly addictive and cause a high risk to your children

4.Plants

Many plants are poisonous and this is often overlooked by parents. If your child eats a poisonous plant or eats dirt that is full of fertilizer then they can become very sick. Here is a list of poisonous plants that you should avoid. The dirt from potted plants can also contain rocks or stones that are choking hazards for your child.

5.Safety Gates

If you live in a one-story home and every room in your house is 100% childproof then you may not need safety gates. If you have stairs then you will need to get safety gates. Safety gates will keep your child from falling or entering a potentially dangerous room unaccompanied.

6.Press locks

Presses, cupboards are potentially dangerous for your child. Each can contain many glass or other breakable items that can seriously injure your baby. Press locks are a simple way to keep your baby from getting hurt by one of these items.

7.Changing tables

Never ever leave your baby unattended on a changing table. Use a safety strap and keep all dangerous items out of reach of your baby.

8.Beds or sofas

Never leave your baby unattended on a bed or a sofa especially if you have a very high bed. A fall from just a couple of feet can cause your child serious injury.

9.High Chairs

Never leave your child unattended in a high chair without a safety strap. They can quickly climb out and seriously injure themselves.

10.Burns and scolding

Scolding your child is a fear for all parents. To prevent this, keep all hot drinks and food away from the edges of tables stoves. Cook on the back burners of your stove with the handles facing inwards to prevent your child from reaching the pan. Make sure that your oven door has a lock.

11.Anchor down any heavy furniture

One of the most dangerous hazards for a child at home is heavy furniture. Make sure that all heavy furniture is anchored to the ground or to the wall to prevent your child being crushed if it falls.

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12.Safety near Water

Never leave your babies unattended near any bodies of water. Do not leave your child even for one moment unattended. This includes pools, paddling pools, buckets, toilets and baths. If you do have a pool then make sure that it has a safe pool cover and a fence around it.

13.Gates and fences outside

If you have a garden then erect gates and fences around any hazardous areas for your baby.

14.Easily Breakable Items

Any items that are easily broken should be stored away from your baby. This will prevent the threat of serious injury.

15.Corner Covers

Corner covers are essential for childproofing your home. The edges of tables and other furniture can be very sharp and should be covered by corner covers.

16.Turn Water temperature to 120° F [49° C]

Each year many children are injured by scolding water accidents. To prevent such injuries set your water thermometer to 120° F [49° C].

17.Phone Chargers

Phone chargers can be dangerous for your child for two reasons. Firstly electrocution and secondly strangulation. Always keep phone chargers out of reach of children. Children chewing on phone chargers will also damage the charge which is a major inconvenience.

18.Choking Hazards

A choking hazard as anything that can be swallowed by your child, blocking their airway. Choking hazards come in all shapes and sizes and can be fatal for your child. Choking hazards do not just come in the form of a household item but food can also be a risk.

Here is a list of potential choking hazards for your child:

• Nuts
• Big pieces of vegetables
• Chewing Gum
• Popcorn
• Raisins
• Sweets/candy
• Grapes and other small fruits
• Coins
• Any toys that say for over 2 years
• Small Keys
• Batteries
• Marbles
• Small Stones
• Balloons
• Hard foods
• Hot Dogs

19.Chords or String

Chords or string that are longer than 6 inches long can potentially strangle your child. Make sure that all chords and string are stored in a safe place to avoid injury

20.Put Cushions or Pads Under Areas Where They May Fall

Firstly your baby starts to crawl, followed by walking and then comes climbing. This can happen anytime between the first and second year. When they start climbing then they will soon climb out of their bed or cot. To avoid injury put down mats or pads where they may fall down.

21.Use Anti-Slip Mats Under Rugs

When babies start to walk they will fall a lot. This is part of life. Falling due to being off balance is okay but falling due to tripping up can be dangerous. To avoid the slipping or tripping then place an antislip mat underneath the rug.

22.Get an  Anti-slip Bath Mat

Bath time is one of the most fun and dangerous things that you can do with your child. You should never leave your child alone in the bathroom. There is a risk of drowning but also the risk of slipping. To avoid slipping buy an anti-slip bath mat for the bath.

23.Keep the Oven, Dishwasher and Dryer Locked

Keep the dishwasher and dryer locked so your child does not climb in and injure themselves.

24.Remove things That They Can Climb On

Any small stools, poofs or step ladders are dangerous for your children. To avoid any injury remove them from your home. If you cannot remove them then make sure that they are out of reach.

25.Keep All Bins Closed

A lot of waste can be potentially dangerous for your child. Make sure that all bins are closed.

26.Remove All Suffocation Items

Plastic bags, sheets and balloons are all suffocation hazards for your child. If you have any plastic items make sure that they are safely stowed away.

27.Keep All Lights and Lamps Out of Reach

Lights and lamps are dangerous for many reasons. The blubs can cause nasty burns and the lamps can be pulled down causing nasty injuries. To avoid injury make sure that all lights and lamps are properly secured and out of reach of children.

28.Use Door Locks

Get door locks for the rooms you do not want children to enter. The rooms that can be very dangerous are the bathroom and laundry room. Keep these locked at all times and do not leave children unsupervised in any room that has a lot of water or electrical hazards.

29.Install Window Locks 

Windows are a big hazard in any home especially ones above the first floor. To keep your child safe install window guards and locks to stop them falling out.

30.Remove Items From Cribs That Could Be Used For Climbing

When your baby starts to climb they will use everything in the vicinity to stand on. Make sure that in their crib are no items for them to climb on. Pillows are larger toys can be used to climb on an escape from the crib.

31.Cover The Fireplace 

The fireplace represents one of the biggest risks in your home. Install a proper guard on the fireplace to reduce the risk of burns.

32.Cover Glass Doors With Frosting

Any low-level glass windows or glass doors should have a frosting on them. Frosting makes it easier for your child to see the glass and avoid them walking into it.

Here are the best childproof items for your home.

• Locks
• Latches
• Nets
• Door Stops
• Door locks
• Window Locks
• Balcony Rails
• Safety Netting
• Smoke detectors
• Outlet/socket covers
• Corner covers
• Edge covers
• TV Safety Straps
• Carbon monoxide detectors