When to Start Childproofing
Childproofing your home is a crucial step in ensuring your child’s safety as they grow and become more mobile. This guide will help you understand when to start childproofing to make your home a safer environment for your little one.
When to Start Childproofing
It’s advisable to begin childproofing your home before your baby starts crawling, typically around 6 to 9 months of age. As babies become more mobile, they explore their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents. Proactive childproofing ensures that your home is prepared for these developmental milestones.
Prioritizing Childproofing: Key Areas to Focus On
Childproofing can seem overwhelming, but focusing on high-traffic areas first can make the process manageable.
1. Stairways and Entry Points
- Install safety gates: Gates are to be installed at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls and injuries.
- Secure entryways: Have a secondary lock, such as the Door Guardian, installed to prevent access to the outdoors.
2. Furniture and Electronics
- Anchor heavy furniture: Secure bookshelves, dressers, and TVs to the wall to prevent tip-overs.
- Cover sharp edges: Use corner guards on tables and other furniture with sharp edges.
3. Electrical Safety
- Outlet covers: Install outlet plugs or sliding covers to prevent electrical shocks.
- Manage cords: Keep cords from blinds, appliances, and electronics out of reach to prevent strangulation hazards.
4. Kitchen and Bathroom Safety
- Cabinet and drawer locks: Use magnetic safety latches to keep children away from hazardous items like cleaning supplies and sharp objects.
- Appliance safety: Install stove knob covers and keep small appliances unplugged and out of reach. There are locks for every type of appliances
- Bathroom precautions: Lower hot water heater temperature to prevent burns and always supervise bath time. Toilet Lid Locks are a must if your child is focused on playing with toilet water. The first rule of Bathroom Safety is “never leave toddlers in the bathroom alone”
5. Windows and Doors
- Window locks and guards: Prevent falls by securing windows, especially those on upper floors
- Door safety: Use door stops and finger pinch guards to prevent injuries.
Hiring Professional Childproofing
For comprehensive and expert childproofing, consider hiring Kiddie Proofers. With over 35 years of experience, we offer a range of services to ensure your home is safe for your child.
Services Offered by Kiddie Proofers
- Safety Gate Installations: Custom installation of gates for stairs and other hazardous areas.
- Furniture Securing: Anchoring heavy furniture and TVs to prevent tip-overs.
- Cabinet and Drawer Locks: Installation of childproof locks to restrict access to dangerous items.
- Outlet Covers and Electrical Safety: Comprehensive solutions to prevent electrical hazards.
- Window and Door Safety: Installation of locks and guards to prevent falls, injuries and access to specific places and spaces.
Final Thoughts
Starting childproofing before your baby becomes mobile is essential in preventing accidents and ensuring their safety. By focusing on high-risk areas and considering professional services like Kiddie Proofers, you can create a secure environment for your child to explore and grow.