When to start Baby Proofing

Ideally, safe proofing your home for the baby should begin before your baby begins to crawl, typically around 6 to 9 months old. This is the age when babies become more mobile and start exploring their environment, increasing the risk of accidents. By starting early, you ensure that your home is ready for their newfound mobility, and you can address potential hazards before they pose a risk.

But remember, it's never too late to make the home safer for your kid. Even if your baby has already started crawling or walking, implementing baby proofing measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Assess your home for potential dangers and prioritize areas that pose the highest risks, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and stairs.

Also Read: Decor Ideas for Kids' Rooms: 10 Tips for a Fun and Functional Space

These are the essential steps to baby proofing your home

1. Secure Furniture and Appliances

Anchoring Furniture

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• Anchoring Furniture: Use wall straps or brackets to secure heavy furniture like bookshelves, dressers, and TV stands to the wall. This prevents them from tipping over if your child tries to climb or pull on them. Ensure that any furniture taller than three feet is anchored to provide maximum safety.
• Appliance Safety: Ensure large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines are securely positioned and cannot tip over. Use anti-tip brackets or straps to stabilize these appliances. Always ensure that the appliances are properly installed and regularly checked for stability.

2. Install Safety Gates

Safety Gates

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• Stair Safety: Place safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls. Choose gates that are hardware-mounted for better security, especially at the top of the stairs, where a fall could result in serious injury. Avoid pressure-mounted gates at the top of stairs as they are not as secure.
• Room Barriers: Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby proofed or areas with potential hazards. For example, you might want to block off the kitchen or home office. This helps to contain your child's exploration to safer areas of your home.

3. Cover Sharp Edges and Corners

Corner Protector Guard

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• Corner Guards: Install corner guards on furniture with sharp edges to prevent injuries. This is especially important for low furniture like coffee tables and TV stands that your child can easily reach. Corner guards are typically made of soft materials that cushion any impact.
• Edge Bumpers: Use edge bumpers on tables, countertops, and other surfaces to protect your child from sharp edges. These bumpers are easy to install and provide a layer of protection against bumps and bruises.

4. Use Childproof Locks and Latches

Drawer Latches

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• Cabinet Locks: Install childproof locks on cabinets containing dangerous items like cleaning supplies, medicines, and sharp objects. There are various types of locks available, including magnetic locks, adhesive locks, and slide locks, each suitable for different types of cabinets and drawers.
• Drawer Latches: Use latches on drawers to prevent access to dangerous items. These latches can be installed inside drawers and are designed to keep them securely closed, making it difficult for little hands to open them.

5. Electrical Safety

Plug Socket Protector

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• Outlet Covers: Place outlet covers on all unused electrical outlets to prevent electrical shocks. Choose outlet covers that are difficult for children to remove. Alternatively, you can install tamper-resistant outlets that automatically block access to the electrical contacts.
• Cord Management: Keep electrical cords out of reach and use cord organizers to prevent entanglement. Secure cords to the wall or behind furniture using cord clips or cable management systems. Avoid leaving cords hanging loosely where they can be pulled or chewed on.

6. Prevent Drowning Hazards

Baby Proof Your Bathtub

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• Bathroom Safety: Always supervise your child in the bathroom. Use toilet locks to prevent them from opening the toilet lid, and keep the bathroom door closed when not in use to restrict access. Store all bathroom cleaning products and medications out of reach.
• Bathtub Safety: Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and never leave your child unattended during bath time. Ensure that the water temperature is safe (below 120°F) to prevent burns, and consider using a bath seat or ring for added stability. Always keep a hand on your baby during bath time, and have all necessary items within arm's reach to avoid leaving your child alone.

Additional Tips

• Windows and Balcony Safety: Install window guards to prevent falls and always keep windows locked. Ensure that balconies are secured with childproof locks and that there are no climbable objects near the railings.

Baby Proof Balcony

• Fire Safety: You can install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Keep fire extinguishers accessible and ensure that your child is always supervised around open flames, such as candles or fireplaces.

Living Room

• Furniture Anchoring: Secure all large furniture to the wall.
• Sharp Edges: Use corner guards on coffee tables and TV stands.
• Electrical Safety: Cover all outlets and manage cords.

Kitchen

• Cabinet Locks: Secure cabinets with cleaning supplies and sharp objects.
• Stove Safety: Utilize stove knob covers and keep pot handles turned inward.
• Appliance Locks: Install locks on ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

Nursery

• Crib Safety: Make sure the crib meets current safety standards. Avoid using drop-side cribs.
• Toy Safety: Keep small toys and objects out of reach to prevent choking hazards.
• Window Safety: Use window guards and keep the crib away from windows.

Bathroom

• Toilet Locks: Install toilet locks to prevent drowning hazards.
• Medicine Safety: Keep all medicines and toiletries in locked cabinets.
• Water Temperature: Set your water heater to a safe temperature (below 120°F) to prevent burns.

Bedroom

• Furniture Anchoring: Secure dressers and wardrobes to the wall.
• Electrical Safety: Cover outlets and manage cords.
• Window Safety: Use window guards and keep furniture away from windows.