Once your baby is on the move, baby-proofing the home becomes essential. The best way to spot potential dangers is to get down on your hands and knees and crawl around looking at your house from a baby’s eye view. Do this just before your baby gets mobile, so you have enough time to get organised.
Following on from the crawl he will very quickly learn to climb. The dangers here are that he may attempt to climb things that cannot take his weight and will collapse under him, and climbing may bring new dangers within reach.
- Begin by removing all fragile items and lightweight free-standing objects, including
plants. - Avoid using a tablecloth on a dining table or coffee table as he may try to use it to
pull himself up and drag everything down on top of himself. - Fit covers to electric sockets.
- Cover video and TV controls with safety panels.
- Fit corner protectors to sharp corners of tables.
- Check glass-surfaced furniture is toughened or covered with safety film.
- Check that internal glass doors are made from safety glass. If in doubt add a layer of safety film or consult a glazier who will be able to identify the type of glass and if necessary replace it.
- Fit and use stair gates, cupboard and drawer locks - especially on cupboards that contain cleaning products, china and glass, plastic bags, anything breakable or precious. Fit fridge and freezer locks and, where necessary, window locks and devices to prevent doors slamming on tiny fingers.
- Be vigilant about washing machines and tumble dryers. Toddlers can open the door and get in – and then be unable to get out again.
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