Room by Room Home Safety
It's hard to remember that everything is new to a baby. And new means fascinating. Ordinary objects like the remote control, the legs of a chair, a stairwell--they'll all demand exploration, and unfortunately, you won't always be there to make sure baby discovers new things safely. That's not to mention some things you probably never want your child to discover, like the cleaning products under the sink, the top shelf of a book case, or your brand new iPod speakers. The good news is, everyone with kids has been here before; ask friends what precautions they've taken or even your own parents what they did (since obviously you survived childhood), and read the rest of this guide for some clever products that can keep your child (and your electronics) safe and sound.
The Initial Assessment
Take a look around your house, room by room. What are the major danger areas?
- Check for sharp edges on tables and shelves, like on coffee and end tables and counters.
- Scout out and count electrical outlets, and note areas where there are a lot of cords--including the non-electrical ones hanging from blinds and drapes.
- Tally up high surfaces kids can climb to, or structures that could tip over, like shelves or bookcases.
- Write down everything you've found and how much of it (i.e. number of outlets, full measure of table edges). That way you'll know exactly what to get when you get to the store--and only have to make one trip.
Even if you're not sure what your problem areas are, here are a few safe bet products to stock up on in the meantime:
The Living Room
| Heads up for appliances and all their accessories like cords, outlets, and the shelves they rest on |
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Table Edge Bumpers  - As your toddler starts toddling, he'll find himself at eye level with your tables.
- Table bumpers cushion sharp, hard edges and prevent inevitable bumps and cuts.
- Measure your tables before you buy to get a snug fit.
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Safety Edge Guards - These protect kids from other sharp edges around the home that may need more heavy-duty protection than tables, like steps.
- No need to measure; you can buy a roll of the stuff and cut strips as needed.
- They're self-adhesive, but glue them down for extra stick.
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Furniture Brackets - Little arms means lots of reaching for high objects.
- Keep furniture from tipping over (and onto kids) by bracketing shelves to the wall.
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Other tips and products:
- DVD/DVR guards safe from curious fingers--and any other objects your kids may want to wedge in there.
- Carpet adhesive will make walking (which is difficult enough already) a little easier for your wobbly toddler.
- Get gates to block off dangerous areas like staircases, fireplaces, or even just to keep your pet away from your baby.
- Skip the glass coffee table.
- Double check your hard safety work with this tip site.
The Bathroom
| Slippery surfaces, hot water, and medicines make for a hazardous little room |
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Bath Thermometers - What may feel very warm to you may be much too hot for a child's delicate skin.
- Prevent scalding by tossing bath thermometers into the water before you child goes in.
- Another option: setting your max water temperature to 50º or lower.
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Spout Covers - Water spouts are hard and can be sharp edged; they also heat up when dispensing warm water.
- Protect kids' heads from bumps with this cute cover while also preventing burns from touching the metal.
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Toilet Lid Locks - You may not see the allure to toilet water, but if it's available, a child will explore it--and unfortunately, it doesn't take a lot of water for them to drown.
- Toilet locks keep kids from falling in, or even lifting the lid in the first place.
- Bonus: this may also protect the telly remote and your jewellery from taking a swim.
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Other tips and products:
- Keep your prescriptions in childproof bottles to keep kids from ingesting them.
- Put down adhesive decals or a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of your tub to prevent slips and falls.
- Step stools help kids safely reach the sink or tub without having to scale the toilet or cabinets.
- Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use. A hook-and-eye latch can keep the loo out of bounds.
Nursery
| Baby's sleeping area should be a safety sanctuary |
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Crib Safety Bumpers - Keeps arms and legs safely inside crib bars.
- Prevents kids from getting stuck in slats.
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Sleep Positioner - The only safe position for a baby to sleep in is on his or her back.
- A sleep positioner will keep your baby in this position throughout the night.
- Helps baby breath and digest properly.
- Guards against SIDS.
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Baby Monitors - Help you keep track of baby's movements and noises when you need to be in a different room, or throughout the night.
- Different models have different features and ranges, so read our guide to baby monitors for more informed buying.
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Other tips and products:
- When you've graduated your child from a crib to a toddler bed, use bed rails to protect against middle of the night falls out of bed.
- Strap baby onto the changing station every time you use it keep them from wriggling off--and never leave them alone.
- Skip pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets for baby's crib--and never, ever use an electric blanket.
- Fit mattresses perfectly to cribs and toddler beds; any gaps could mean entrapment.
Kitchen
| Cabinets to climb, appliances to open and even climb into, not too mention hot hot hot--look out! |
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Appliance Locks - Same idea as drawer locks, but for dishwashers, washing machines, etc.
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Stove Guard - Keeps your child away from hot range tops.
- Prevents burns and scalds from touching hot surfaces or knocking over cooking food.
- Use stove knob protectors to keep kids from fiddling with temperatures.
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High Chairs - Puts your child in an optimal position for eating--and staying focused on--their food.
- Prevents falls from regular chairs and keeps children in a safe posture to eat.
- Check out our buying guide to help find the high chair for you.
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