Remember when all you needed was a smoke alarm and a sturdy front door to consider your house safe? Well a newly mobile baby changes all the rules. If you’re unsure of how to start, get on your hands and knees and crawl around - you’ll be amazed by all the things you start considering from your baby’s point of view. To help you along, Morrisons baby experts have come up with a list of things to consider when baby proofing.
- Cooking – when cooking, turn pan handles inwards so children can’t grab onto them, and make sure your child is never alone in the kitchen.
- Cupboard doors – latches and child proof locks on doors and drawers help keep knives, cleaning products and medicines out of reach.
- Hot appliances – keep kettles, curling tongs etc, and all electrical cords out of reach, and make sure all electrical leads are tucked under carpets or stapled to skirting boards.
- Plug sockets – fitted covers will stop babies poking their fingers inside.
- Furniture – buy covers for sharp corners and ensure furniture is firmly stuck to the floor so that nothing heavy topples onto your child.
- Staircases – gates at the top prevent tumbles, and check all carpets fit properly to the edge to avoid slips and falls.
- Windows – keep babies away from window sills, and keep windows shut and locked if you’re worried. Coloured stickers on glass will help toddlers be aware that it’s glass and help prevent bumped heads.
- Fireguards – if you have an open fire, fitting one of these will help prevent burns.
- Have a think about the less obvious dangers, like telephone and blind cords, small objects like pens and loose change, poisonous plants and flowers, and doors left open.
