Childproof Your Home in 7 Smart Ways
Seven genius ways to strike a perfect balance between fun and safety for your little one
Designing interiors for a family with young children is more science than art. The best way to do this is to get a baby’s eye view of the room by getting down on your hands and knees. As kiddish as this may sound, this is the most effective technique to figure out what’s within the toddler’s range. But childproofing doesn’t mean letting go of style and luxury; it simply means recognising the hazardous zones and rendering them harmless. Let’s see how to design the ultimate safe zone in a few baby steps.
2. Install gates
Childproofing is an ongoing process. What works today might not work tomorrow when your child grows bigger. It is critical to update safety measures in and around the house. The stairs are an area which can cause a lot of trouble as kids fall like rag dolls if they tumble, sometimes causing serious injuries. Installing Dutch gates at the entry or exit point is a clever move.
These gates also work well for rooms like the kitchen and the bathroom. They allow you to see through to the other room, while keeping your child away from spaces you don’t want them to enter.
Childproofing is an ongoing process. What works today might not work tomorrow when your child grows bigger. It is critical to update safety measures in and around the house. The stairs are an area which can cause a lot of trouble as kids fall like rag dolls if they tumble, sometimes causing serious injuries. Installing Dutch gates at the entry or exit point is a clever move.
These gates also work well for rooms like the kitchen and the bathroom. They allow you to see through to the other room, while keeping your child away from spaces you don’t want them to enter.
3. Secure the furniture
It doesn’t take long for an inquisitive toddler to bump into danger. Once babies start crawling or walking, they want to explore their home, be it the bookshelf or the television unit. They grab furniture to pull themselves upright, or try to climb it. If the piece is not anchored it can fall, with serious consequences. Parents can help prevent these injuries by anchoring entertainment units and tall, heavy furniture like dressers and bookcases firmly to walls.
It doesn’t take long for an inquisitive toddler to bump into danger. Once babies start crawling or walking, they want to explore their home, be it the bookshelf or the television unit. They grab furniture to pull themselves upright, or try to climb it. If the piece is not anchored it can fall, with serious consequences. Parents can help prevent these injuries by anchoring entertainment units and tall, heavy furniture like dressers and bookcases firmly to walls.
Furniture Corner Cushions
Furniture corner cushions or corner guards (available with brands like Johnsons) are a great way to secure the furniture without ruining the aesthetic value of the design. They provide soft cushioning in case of accidental bumps against the sharp edges of the coffee table or sofa corners. These are primarily made of sponge-like material and silicone, and can be pasted on the edges of the furniture.
4. Stow ’em away
The dishwasher, microwave and other appliances should be out of reach of toddlers and new walkers. Use safety locks or latches on cabinet doors and drawers. Having said that, it is not only the appliances that can be a danger, but sharp cutlery and household chemicals too. So stow away as much as possible – be it detergents or appliances – in drawers and cabinets. And remember, what cannot be stowed away can always be latched shut.
The dishwasher, microwave and other appliances should be out of reach of toddlers and new walkers. Use safety locks or latches on cabinet doors and drawers. Having said that, it is not only the appliances that can be a danger, but sharp cutlery and household chemicals too. So stow away as much as possible – be it detergents or appliances – in drawers and cabinets. And remember, what cannot be stowed away can always be latched shut.
KidCo Stove Guard for Kids
5. Get a stove guard
Stove guards cover the burner units and knobs. They are made of mesh or clear acrylic and can be easily removed or installed. These ensure the kids do not touch the flame or turn on the gas if and when left unattended. They are absolutely fantastic.
Stove guards cover the burner units and knobs. They are made of mesh or clear acrylic and can be easily removed or installed. These ensure the kids do not touch the flame or turn on the gas if and when left unattended. They are absolutely fantastic.
6. Cover the faucets, put away lotions and potions
The bathroom is primed for accidents. Slippery surfaces, sharp edges, chemical liquids…
Tap and faucet edges too can hurt the children while bathing. Invest in sink extensions and tap covers. These are made from long-lasting soft, durable plastic and non-toxic materials which are BPA- and PVC-free. They don’t crack, fade or warp from usage.
In addition, it is always advisable to keep toiletries off limits as they contain harmful chemicals. There’s a reason why they always come with a warning to keep away from kids.
Tip: Never ever leave your toddler unattended in the bathroom.
The bathroom is primed for accidents. Slippery surfaces, sharp edges, chemical liquids…
Tap and faucet edges too can hurt the children while bathing. Invest in sink extensions and tap covers. These are made from long-lasting soft, durable plastic and non-toxic materials which are BPA- and PVC-free. They don’t crack, fade or warp from usage.
In addition, it is always advisable to keep toiletries off limits as they contain harmful chemicals. There’s a reason why they always come with a warning to keep away from kids.
Tip: Never ever leave your toddler unattended in the bathroom.
7. Use door stoppers
Ensure there is no way your baby might accidentally lock themselves in the bathroom or bedroom or kitchen or living area – or for that matter out of the house. A game of catch through the house often leads to kids’ fingers crushed or bruised by getting caught in a slammed door. It is important to have door stoppers that prevent the door from shutting. Remember the safety of your child is in your hands; don’t think twice!
Read more:
How Colour Shapes Your Child’s Early Years
Must-Haves in a Teenage Girl’s Room
Tell us:
How have you secured your home for your crawling/walking superhero?
Ensure there is no way your baby might accidentally lock themselves in the bathroom or bedroom or kitchen or living area – or for that matter out of the house. A game of catch through the house often leads to kids’ fingers crushed or bruised by getting caught in a slammed door. It is important to have door stoppers that prevent the door from shutting. Remember the safety of your child is in your hands; don’t think twice!
Read more:
How Colour Shapes Your Child’s Early Years
Must-Haves in a Teenage Girl’s Room
Tell us:
How have you secured your home for your crawling/walking superhero?
Chances are, if you leave that power socket open, your toddler will be tempted to insert their finger or a metal object into one of the holes and hurt themselves.
Ensure the power strips are covered and the sockets closed when not in use. Do not rely on plug-in caps alone as they can easily end up in your baby’s mouth. Instead, use a sliding safety latch for better protection.