As babies start to crawl and climb, the home becomes full of new hazards. Childproofing reduces the risk of common injuries.
The best way to start is to get down on your hands and knees and see the world from a child’s height.
Furniture and TVs
Anchor bookcases, dressers, and televisions to the wall. Tip-overs can cause serious injuries.
Kitchen
Store cleaning products and medicines up high in locked cupboards
Use back burners and turn pan handles inward
Keep hot drinks out of reach
Keep button batteries and magnets well away from children
Stairs and windows
Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and window restrictors to prevent falls. Keep furniture away from windows.
Bathroom
Never leave a young child alone in the bath, even briefly. Set water heater temperatures to reduce scald risk and keep toilet lids closed.
Cords and small objects
Secure blind cords out of reach and regularly check floors for small objects that could be swallowed.
This is general parenting information, not medical advice. Every child is different — talk to your paediatrician, family doctor, or a qualified specialist about your child’s health, development, or behaviour. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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