The arrival of a baby is a wonderful moment for any parent, but it also means you need to start thinking about childproofing your home because prevention is always better than dealing with the repercussions of an accident.
How can I childproof my home?
Newborn babies are relatively safe because they can't move around, but as soon as a baby is able to crawl or bottom shuffle, he is capable of causing himself real damage through his innocent explorations. Ideally a baby should be supervised at all times, but if you need to leave the room for a moment, place him in a playpen or strap him into a chair. Never leave him alone if he is in the bath, even for a few seconds, as babies can easily drown in less than an inch of water.
Essential safety equipment
Baby gates are a wonderful invention and every parent should have at least two: one baby gate at the bottom of the stairs and one at the top. Babies love to climb stairs, so give him the bottom two or three to practice on, but make sure he isn't at risk of tumbling down a full flight of stairs. You can also use baby gates to keep him out of any room you consider to be off-limits.
Window locks are essential to prevent babies from falling out at height and even a ground floor window represents a significant falling danger. Never assume a baby is safe when a window is open-resourceful toddlers are quite capable of pulling a toy box across a room to use as a climbing stool.
Socket covers must always be used to keep little fingers safe from the dangers of electrocution.
If you have pieces of furniture with sharp corners, for example a coffee table, use plastic corner protectors to lessen the danger of a head injury should a baby fall and bang his head.
Be very careful if you have window blinds or curtains with dangling cords and either replace them or fit a simple safety device. Every year there are several tragic deaths as a result of window cords becoming entangled around a child's neck.
If you have a fire (gas, electric, or open hearth), prevent burn injuries by fitting a fireguard securely to the wall.
Radiators become very hot when the central heating is on, so consider buying radiator covers to prevent accidental burns and never place a child's cot or bed next to a radiator in case he rolls against it and becomes trapped.
Keep external doors locked at all times to prevent babies toddling outside and wandering on to a busy road. Alternatively, fit a safety gate across the doorway.
Dangers in the kitchen
The kitchen is a dangerous environment for babies and small children, so if possible, keep them out at all times. But if this is impossible, remove all toxic substances from low-level cupboards, take care not to leave dangling flexes from kettles and other electrical appliances within reach, and keep pans and mugs of hot liquid well away from small hands.
Choking hazards
Babies and small children love to put things in their mouth, but unfortunately small items represent a serious choking hazard. To minimise the danger, tidy up after older children and remind them not to leave small plastic toys lying around in case the baby finds them.
Prevent fire hazards
Never leave matches or lighters within reach of a baby or small child. It only takes a moment to start a fire and the consequences are often tragic. Have smoke alarms fitted upstairs and downstairs and check batteries regularly. If you have an open fire or internal boiler, it is also sensible to have a CO alarm in the same room, as carbon monoxide poisoning can be a silent killer.
And finally, keep a first aid kit handy and make sure every member of the family knows where to find it.
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