You’ve been through it once before and now you have to do it all over again only this time there’s an elder brother or sister in the house.

Six essential tips to make your home safe for a new baby

• Take a very close look at any equipment you intend to reuse. What
  sort of condition is it in?. Used clips, straps, safety catches and
  fixtures may not be in the best working order. If in doubt buy new
  or get an expert to do a refit.
• You have to get down on you hands and knees again to remind yourself
  what the new baby/toddler can see and reach. You do have to go back
  to basics.
• An older child’s toys are often a danger to a younger one –
  be sure to keep them away and injury can also arise from them being
  left on the floor.
• New and better child safety products are coming out all the time.
  Look at what is available now, and compare them to what you bought
  a few years ago. You may need to update a few items.
• Potty training is a real hazard. The older child will be using the
  toilet and not necessarily putting the lid down afterwards. Use a
  separate potty chair and install a lid lock and train the older child
  to use the lock.
• Get the older child involved as your safety helper. Train the brother
  or sister to understand the dangers of leaving toys and other items
  in places the new toddler can get hold of them. Empower them with
  the awareness that small objects can cause choking and never to give
  the new baby anything without parental permission. And especially
  never to put anything near a babies mouth.