How to baby-proof your house: A new parent's guide

Babies may seem harmless and almost immobile, but as these tiny humans strengthen their muscles they become, like Alice in Wonderland, curiouser and curiouser...

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And also like Alice, they’re willing to gulp down liquids to see what will happen next.

While some of their antics are adorably innocent, others have you wondering if they’re secretly auditioning for a stunt double role.

And while you’ve already got a lot on your plate, you then have the additional task of channelling your inner hawk and watching them at all times.

Fortunately, some anxiety-ridden parents couldn’t handle the stress and invented baby-proofing – cue baby gates, drawer locks, window guards, and enough foam padding to give you some sense of safety.

And while baby bloopers make for great memories (and Instagram content), real accidents? Not so much.

Accidents happen, but they can be prevented

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According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children. In fact, about 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms daily for fall-related injuries, many of which occur at home.

Falls are also the most common cause of hospitalisation for children under 5 and account for 44% of all childhood injuries.

Over 1,000 children under five are hospitalized each year due to burns that could be prevented with safety measures like stove guards and cord management.

A large percentage of hospital admissions for poisoning in children under five are caused by medications, with household cleaners also posing a threat. Baby-proofing by storing these items out of reach or using safety locks can prevent these incidents.

It is also crucial to check for lead paint in homes built before 1978, as lead paint can pose significant health risks, especially to young children. Professional remediation is recommended if any lead-based paint issues are found during home babyproofing efforts.

In fact, preventable injuries are the leading cause of death for Australian children aged 1-14 years, with homes being the most common place for accidents.

So, if you have young kids and are still wondering if babyproofing the house is really necessary, then yes, it absolutely is!

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The lowdown on baby-proofing your house

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Baby’s are curious but they’re not very bright – at least in the beginning! They’ll roll over the edge of the bed, trip over their own two feet and pinch their fingers in doors and drawers.

Baby-proofing your house is the answer to minimising most incidents- big and small.

It’s a proactive approach to creating a safe environment where your young ones can explore without the looming risk of injury. It’s also tackling all those sneaky hazards – like unsecured furniture, rogue cords, harsh cleaning chemicals and that one drawer of doom in the kitchen.

Ensure the baby’s crib is safe by removing soft items and positioning it away from windows.

Baby proofing is a simple but genius way to cut down on accidents and keep your little one safe while you relax (well, as much as any parent can). From the kitchen to the laundry room, baby-proofing covers it all.

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Preparing for baby-proofing

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The stats may be scary, but before you get carried away with the bubble wrap and slap-on locks on every cabinet, take a breath and plan: There’s a lot of room to cover so baby-proofing involves a bit of strategy.

Start by crawling around (yes, really) and see the world from your little one’s point of view – anything shiny, sharp, or smashable? That’s your cue.

Make a checklist of potential hazards. Think wobbly furniture, exposed outlets, and that one plant you’re pretty sure is non-toxic. (Or did the label say, toxic? )

Once you’ve got your danger zones mapped out, list items you will need. Alternately, you can tackle it room by room starting with the nursery and your bedroom, and take advantage of our living room baby-proofing checklist!

When to start baby-proofing your home

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Baby-proofing your home is essential to ensure a safe environment for your child as they grow and explore.

Start the process during pregnancy or soon after your baby arrives, and ideally before they become mobile. This will typically happen around the 4-6 month mark.

While starting early does mean you can baby-proof the place without the added chaos of juggling diaper explosions and sleep deprivation, it may not be the smartest. You don’t want to struggle with drawer looks and baby gates if your kid isn’t crawling!

However, what you can do is get done with the prep.

Constant supervision is key from day one, but once your mini-human starts crawling and walking, all bets are off. Suddenly, their curiosity will lead them to explore every corner of your home like a tiny Indiana Jones.

Baby proofing checklist

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1. Living room and nursery safety

The living room and nursery are now your baby’s personal space, so safety here is non-negotiable. Here’s how you can make these environments as baby-safe as possible:

• Secure heavy furniture: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and TV stands, to walls using safety straps to prevent tipping, which can cause serious injuries.
• Corner guards: Cover sharp corners on furniture with corner guards to protect your child from potential bumps and bruises.
• Choking hazards: Keep small objects that pose a choking hazard out of reach to ensure your little one’s exploration doesn’t lead to accidental choking.
• TV safety: Mount flat-screen TVs on the wall or secure them on stable furniture close to the wall to prevent them from being pulled down by curious hands.
• Cord danger: Remove any cords that dangle lest they tempt your baby to pull! Use cordless window coverings or secure cords out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards, and if you don’t want to call time-of-death on your favourite lamp.
• Crib safety: Ensure that baby’s crib is free from stuffed animals, loose bedding, and positioned away from windows, curtains, and blind cords to maintain a safe sleeping area.

2. Kitchen safety

Sharp objects, toxic cleaning supplies, and stovetops hotter than your coffee: the kitchen contains an array of potential hazards. Ensuring your kitchen is baby-proof is crucial to keep your curious baby safe from these dangers.

Here’s how to effectively safeguard your kitchen: 

• Safety covers and latches: Install safety covers on stove and oven knobs to prevent your child from turning them on. Add a safety latch to the oven door for added security.
• Cabinet locks: Use cabinet locks to secure lower cabinets, especially those containing cleaning products and dangerous items.
• Store sharp objects: Keep sharp objects like knives and scissors in drawers with child-proof locks to ensure they are out of baby’s reach.
• Safety gates: Install a baby gate if your kitchen space allows it. Never leave a baby or toddler unattended in the kitchen.
• Electrical safety: Unplug electrical appliances when not in use and keep all electrical cords secured and out of reach.
• Sturdy furniture: Check to that your kitchen table is sturdy and strong, especially if you plan to hook a highchair to it.
• Cooking precautions: Get in the habit of cooking on the back burners, turning pot handles toward the wall, and placing hot food and drinks away from the edges of tables and counters to prevent spills and burns.
• Garbage can covers: Put lockable covers on garbage cans, or place them in latched cupboards to keep contents out of baby’s grasp.
• Avoid tablecloths: Forgo tablecloths and runners since they can be pulled down by your curious toddler.
• Dishtowel storage: Keep your dish towels, food, and water for pets, as well as any sharp and glass objects, out of baby’s reach.
• Cleaning products storage: Safely store all cleaners and dish soaps in latched cabinets, away from baby’s grasp. A better option is to avoid placing them under the sink altogether, storing them in a high cabinet instead.
• Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness on your tables and floor. Curious babies often put things in their mouths while crawling, increasing the risk of ingesting harmful particles or small objects.

3. Bathroom and laundry room safety

Bathrooms and laundry rooms are common areas that you frequently visit during your day. Naturally, your baby begins to understand these spaces too. However, water, liquids, and sharp edges make it an unsafe space for a young child.

Children are at risk of slips, falls, accidental poisonings and even drownings in these areas. Here are some effective ways to baby-proof these spaces:

• Secure cabinets: Secure all cabinet doors with safety locks or magnetic locks to keep harmful substances like bleach and detergent safely stored away.
• Finger pinch guards: Install finger pinch guards on doors to protect little fingers.
• Toilet lock: Use a toilet lock to prevent toddlers from opening the toilet, which can be a drowning hazard.
• Non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats in the bathtub and use a cover over the faucet to protect from sharp edges and prevent burns from hot metal.
• Water temperature: Adjust your water heater to ensure bath water is not too hot, and always check the temperature with a bath thermometer before letting your child in.
• Bath time safety: Practice bathtub and water safety. Never leave your little one unattended in the bath. Drowning is a risk, even in a few inches of water.

• Medication safety: Ensure all medications, supplements, and vitamins are in childproof containers and stored high out of baby’s reach. Avoid taking medications in front of your child to prevent imitation.
• Trash can latches: Latch trash cans shut or keep them in a locked cabinet to prevent access to potentially dangerous waste.
• Unplug appliances: Unplug hot items like curling irons and store them beyond baby’s reach.
• Laundry room safety: In the laundry room, use a childproof door lock or gate to restrict access.
• High storage: Store any detergents, bleach, and other cleaners on high shelves rather than under the sink. After cleaning the area, thoroughly wipe down cabinets and cover the base with a plastic liner to prevent any residue from reaching your child.
• Non-toxic cleaners: Consider switching to non-toxic cleaners to reduce the risk of poisoning.
• Appliance locks: Lock and latch any front-loading washing machines and dryers to prevent accidental access.          

4. Outdoor and garage safety

Outdoor areas and garages contain numerous hazards. Implementing stringent safety measures can protect your child from these potential dangers.

• Fence security: Ensure all fences are sturdy and gates are equipped with functioning locks to keep your child safely within the yard and prevent any accidental escapes.
• Tool storage: Secure tools, chemicals, and any sharp objects in locked storage to prevent access, keeping dangerous items out of baby’s reach.
• Drainage: After it rains or snows, check for any collections of water and drain completely to avoid standing water where children can drown.
• Plant safety: Check the house and yard for poisonous plants and move them out of baby’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion of toxic substances. The Victorian Poisons Information Centre offers a detailed info sheet that lists toxic plants you should avoid planting in areas accessible to children.

• Safety devices: Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in key areas around your home to alert you to any dangerous situations, enhancing the safety of your living space.
• Electrical safety: Use outlet covers on all unused electrical outlets to prevent electrical shock, and make sure to engage window locks and child-proof locks on vehicles to prevent unintended access or entrapment.
• Pool safety: All pools should have a safety fence that is at least four feet tall and an alarm for the door leading to the pool area.

Final baby-proofing checks

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1. Regularly assess your home and update safety precautions to align with your child’s age.
2. Evaluate your home from your child’s level to identify and mitigate potential risks.
3. Remove or secure choking hazards like small toys and plastic bags.
4. Install safety latches on cabinet doors, window locks, and toilet locks to restrict access to dangerous areas.
5. Use cordless window coverings to eliminate risks from cords.
6. Check all door stops and finger pinch guards to ensure they’re securely fastened and pose no choking risk.
7. Keep cleaning supplies and cleaning products out of reach, and consider using locks on areas where these are stored.
8. Regular vacuuming can help reduce dust and potential allergens.
9. Consider professional help for baby proofing to ensure a thorough and safe setup throughout your home.

Wrapping it up

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Baby-proofing will evolve with each of your child’s growth stages, from a newborn home environment to the explorative (and sometimes turbulent) phases of a curious toddler and beyond. The goal is to implement a range of safety devices and strategies to minimise risks and ensure your home adapts to the changing needs of your growing child.

With these measures, every corner of your home becomes a safer space for your child to explore.

Sources

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Raising Children, Babies: safety, n.d
Cleveland Clinic, A Guide To Childproofing Your Home, October 2022
Water and Pool Safety: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/locations/water-safety-at-