Why Childproofing Matters — and When to Start
Accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in children under five. The good news is that the vast majority are preventable. Childproofing your home is one of the most effective things you can do to keep your baby or toddler safe as they become increasingly mobile and curious.
Start before your baby begins rolling or crawling — usually around 4–6 months. By the time they're on the move, the changes should already be in place. Get down to your baby's level (literally crawl around the floor) to spot hazards from their perspective.
Living Room & Common Areas
- Secure furniture to walls — bookshelves, TV units, and dressers can topple when climbed. Use anti-tip straps or wall anchors.
- Cover sharp corners on coffee tables and hearths with corner guards.
- Anchor the TV securely to a wall mount or a low, stable unit.
- Cover electrical outlets with plug covers or replace standard outlets with tamper-resistant versions.
- Hide or tie up cords — window blind cords are a strangulation risk; electrical cords are a tripping and chewing hazard.
- Remove small objects — coins, batteries, buttons, and decorative items are choking hazards.
Kitchen
- Install cabinet and drawer locks — especially on cupboards containing cleaning products, sharp utensils, or medications.
- Use back burners where possible when cooking, and turn pot handles inward.
- Keep the dishwasher closed and latched — the door and utensil basket pose sharp and trapping hazards.
- Store cleaning products up high or locked away — never in low-level cupboards.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use and store out of reach.
- Use a safety gate to keep toddlers out of the kitchen while cooking.
Bathroom
- Set hot water heater to 49°C (120°F) or below to prevent scalds.
- Never leave a child unattended in the bath — drowning can happen in just a few centimetres of water.
- Keep the toilet lid closed with a toilet lock.
- Store all medications, razors, and toiletries in a locked cabinet above toddler height.
- Use a non-slip mat inside and outside the bath or shower.
- Install a door lock that you can open from the outside in an emergency.
Bedroom (Baby's Room)
- Cot safety: Use a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly. Keep the cot clear of pillows, bumpers, soft toys, and loose bedding under 12 months.
- Maintain a safe sleep temperature — around 16–20°C (61–68°F) is generally recommended.
- Keep cords and curtains out of reach — position the cot away from windows.
- Anchor any furniture in the room — including bookshelves and changing tables.
Stairs & Hallways
- Install safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs. Use screw-mounted gates at the top (pressure-mounted gates are not secure enough at the top of stairs).
- Check that banisters have no gaps wider than 10cm (4 inches) — small heads and bodies can get stuck.
- Ensure hallways are well lit to avoid trips and falls.
Garden & Outdoor Spaces
- Fence ponds and paddling pools completely, and empty paddling pools after each use.
- Check for poisonous plants in your garden — many common plants, including foxglove and laburnum, are toxic.
- Store tools, fertilisers, and pesticides in a locked shed.
- Ensure garden gates self-close and self-latch at heights children cannot reach.
Keep a First Aid Kit Stocked and Accessible
Even the most carefully childproofed home can't prevent every bump and scrape. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible to adults but out of reach of children. Make sure at least one caregiver in the household is trained in basic infant and child first aid.