The first step to effective childproofing is to approach it from their point of view. “A great tip when starting to baby-proof is to literally go around your home on your hands and knees, searching for everything that could be a hazard to your baby,” suggests Samantha Koegelenberg, the founder and owner of Cape Town-based childproofing company, childproof.co.za.
“You will be surprised what situations you will notice that are clearly hazardous at a toddler’s level.” Once you have covered the babyproofing basics, you can then focus your attention on securing specific areas throughout the home.
The kitchen
“Ensure that knives, glassware, poisonous cleaning products and heavy, dangerous objects are stored in higher cupboards or secured with cupboard or drawer locks,” recommends Samantha. “It is also essential to install an oven lock and make sure that the dishwasher is locked.” She further suggests distracting your child from forbidden places by keeping one kitchen cupboard unlocked and filled with lightweight, baby-safe items such as plastic containers.
The laundry
“Pack washing detergents in a locked cupboard and always keep the washing machine and tumble dryer doors closed when not in use,” advises Samantha. It is also important to secure ironing boards with a furniture strap against a wall or door and to store heavy irons and cords out of reach, she adds.
The living room
In addition to ensuring that heavy furniture is fixed down, Samantha recommends the following safety tips for the living room area:
• Ensure that remote controls have battery covers, as small batteries can be swallowed.
• Cover the fireplace with heat-resistant gates and keep fire-stoking tools out of reach.
• Cover power adapters and loose wires.
• Place photo and picture frames high and away from little hands.
The bedroom
“Lock medications, perfumes, toiletries away, tie all blind cords high out of reach and add corner protectors to any sharp dresser or side table in your room,” advises Samantha. “Also, keep the hair dryer and other appliances unplugged and out of reach, use window locks and prevent easy access to heaters and fans, to prevent burns or injured fingers.”
The playroom
Ensure that toys and crayons don’t pose a choking hazard and that the toy boxes have light, removable or sliding lids, says Samantha. “Toy boxes should also have ventilation holes or a gap beneath the lid, in case your toddler climbs in,” she adds.
The dining room
Samantha suggests that locks be placed on alcohol cabinets and cutlery drawers and that candles and matches be placed out of reach. “Another easy way to help prevent children from knocking their heads on the dining room table is placing dining room chairs at the table corners,” shares ClubCard magazine editor Linda Mzamane, who is also a mom of two toddlers.
The nursery/child’s room
“It’s important to check that the nursery cot is set up safely, with sides that are fixed or able to be fixed, when you aren’t in the room,” says Samantha. “Also, be careful with fluffy toys and too much bedding as they can be a suffocation risk for babies and can be climbed upon to get out of the cot.” She also advises removing mobiles attached to a crib as soon as your baby can push up on their hands and knees.
The study
“In this area, scissors, staplers, letter openers and any sharp dangerous items should be packed away and all cords and wires placed out of reach”, says Samantha. “Plug covers should also be placed over all plug points.”
The bathroom
Child safety experts agree that babies and children should never be left unattended in bathroom areas and that free entry to this space should be prevented. “A solution that works for most bathroom doors is a hook-and-eye or safety chain lock, mounted above a child’s reach, says Samantha. She adds that other bathroom safety measures should include:
• Placing a non-slip mat in the bath and a bath seat for your baby to sit in (not a substitute for supervision!)
• Installing cupboard and drawer locks.
• Ensuring medication is kept beyond a child’s reach.
• Utilising a toilet latch as children can drown in as little as two inches of water.
• Setting the geyser to a maximum of 49 °C or insert anti-scalding devices on bathroom faucets to prevent burn injuries.
• Running cold water into the bath before adding hot.
• Not throwing away dangerous items in an open bathroom bin.