Looking forward to witness your child crawling or standing? Your anticipation for new developmental milestones should also serve as a reminder to recheck your home for child safety hazards. As your child grows and becomes more mobile, he is exposed to a wider set of potential dangers. Hence, if you have previously carried out a round of childproofing before bringing your child home, doing it again is still necessary as it takes into consideration your child’s height growth and increased mobility.
General childproofing tips
Begin childproofing your home again by going down on all fours to examine your surroundings. Being on all fours allows you to observe from your child’s eye level in search of any potential dangers which you may have overlooked. Keep a lookout for small items, such as coins or buttons, which may get hidden in carpets or under furniture that may potentially cause choking. You may also take note of the following pointers as well:
- Install safety latches on drawers and cabinets
- Store dangerous objects (chemicals, sharp objects, etc.) and medicines out of your child’s reach
- Place safety covers over electrical sockets. Do not leave your child unsupervised with electrical appliances that are operating
- Install corner bumpers on sharp edges of your furniture and use door stoppers to protect your child’s fingers from slamming doors
- Avoid using a baby walker as it tends to topple and allows your child to reach dangerous areas quickly
- Place heavier objects in the lower drawers so that it is less likely to topple and ensure that items such as lamps and vases are firmly secured
- Fix baby safety gates at zones you do not want your child to crawl into
- Make sure your child does not see how you unlock the safety gates and latches as they are fast learners
How to childproof your bathroom
- Ensure that the things required for your child’s bath are nearby. Never leave him in the bath alone without an adult’s supervision
- Fit soft rubber covers on bath spout to prevent bruises
- Place a non-slip mat in bath areas and make sure to wipe the floor dry after baths
- Install a latch for your toilet seat and empty all buckets and bathtub to prevent drowning
How to childproof your nursery
- Lower your child’s mattress the moment he is able to sit upright to prevent him from climbing out of the cot
- Remove any baby mobiles attached above the cot
- Place the cot away from any nearby furniture that he can climb into and anchor cupboards and drawers to the wall to prevent toppling
How to childproof your kitchen
- Add a safety gate to prevent your child from entering when you are not around
- Fix stove and oven knob covers to keep your child from turning them
- Turn pot handles towards the wall and avoid leaving items near the edges of your kitchen counters
- Remove tablecloths on dining tables to prevent your child from tugging at it and getting injured from falling objects
- Remove any towel hanging on the handles of ovens or drawers to prevent burns and injuries caused by pulling it
- If you have a pet at home, keep its food and water out of your child’s reach
Keeping your home safe for your child is a continuous process and you should routinely reassess your home as he grows. Actively supervise his actions and make sure that he is always within your reach. In the event that you have to leave him for a short period, ensure that he is in a safe place such as his playpen or cot.
Notes:
HealthHub. 2019. Safe home for your baby. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1241/baby-safe-home-for-your-baby
HealthHub. 2019. Keeping your child safe. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1248/baby-keeping-your-child-safe
Kashtan, P. 2017. Childproofing Checklist for a Baby on the Move. Retrieved from: https://www.thebump.com/a/checklist-babyproofing-part-2
Sherman, A. J. 2013. How to Keep Baby Safe at Home. Retrieved from: https://www.parents.com/baby/safety/babyproofing/how-to-keep-baby-safe-at-home/
Stewart, R. F. n.d. Home Safe Home: Childproof Your Home Room by Room. Retrieved from: https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/safety/toddlerproofing/home-safe-home-childproof-your-home-room-by-room/
