Ten Steps to Babyproofing

10 STEPS TO CHILDPROOFING

1) Educate Yourself

While babyproofing can be relying on common sense, it's important to acknowledge that there’s always more to learn. Safety is about minimizing risks, and the best way to do that is by understanding them. Many injuries occur simply because parents are unaware of potential dangers. For example, some new parents don’t realize that babies can drown in a toilet bowl or a pet’s water dish. Our goal is to provide information that increases awareness and that helps prevent injury.

Understanding child development is a key part of assessing risk. Children’s physical and cognitive abilities evolve over time, but they often lack the reasoning skills to connect cause and effect. For example, if a baby falls down the stairs, they do not necessarily learn to avoid them next time. Similarly, young children may repeat safety rules but still act impulsively when faced with an exciting situation, such as chasing a ball into the street. Recognizing these developmental limitations helps parents make safer choices.

2) Stay a Step Ahead

Start babyproofing when your child is around six months old, before they become mobile. Most babies will eventually explore their surroundings, even if they initially seem uninterested. Each child is different—while one may be cautious, their sibling might be more curious and adventurous. Their personality, creativity, and lack of awareness of consequences put them at risk, so it's best to prepare in advance.

3) Supervision Means More Than Watching

Children under three require direct supervision, meaning they should be in the same room as their caregiver. However, merely being present doesn’t prevent injuries. It is impossible to be with a child at all times so anticipating risks and removing hazards is equally as important as being with them. For example, a toddler across the room can fall and hit their head before you have time to get to them. Instead of just watching, take action before hand by padding sharp corners or moving furniture out of the way.

Older children also need supervision. Even if they seem to understand safety rules, they are still impulsive children and they may not always follow them, especially when distracted or influenced by peers. Maintaining awareness of their activities is crucial to their safety.

4) See the World from Your Child’s Perspective

Get down on your hands and knees and explore your home as if you were a one-year-old. Young children don’t recognize danger and will naturally explore anything within reach. Look for potential hazards such as small objects, colorful items, sharp edges, or openings that could trap fingers. Consider what could be pulled down, swallowed, or tipped over, and consider what could be done to remove. 

Children’s curiosity often leads them to do unexpected things, such as drinking blue coloured cleaning products or stuffing objects into their nose or ears. Since their thought process differs from adults, it’s essential to anticipate all possible dangers and eliminate them before the injury occurs.

5) Identify and Reduce Risks in Critical Areas

Certain household areas pose common higher risks, such as:

• Stairs: Install secure gates at the top and bottom.

• Electrical outlets and cords: Use safety covers and keep cords out of reach.

• Cupboards and drawers: Secure them with latches to prevent access to harmful items.

• Bathtub and toilet: Never leave a child unattended, and use toilet locks.

• Balconies and decks: Install barriers and ensure railings are secure.

While safety measures may seem inconvenient, they provide long-term peace of mind. Even with precautions, always double-check that safeguards are being used correctly.

6) Remove Hazards Immediately

Don’t put off safety improvements—act now. Store cleaning products, medications, cosmetics, and other toxic items in locked cabinets or out of reach. Even everyday items like vitamins or sugar can be harmful in large amounts. A single tablespoon of bleach or a few adult aspirin tablets can be fatal to a young child. Regularly check your home for hazards, and make it a habit to put dangerous items away immediately after use.

7) Teach Your Child About Safety

Start teaching safety habits early. Lead by example and tailor lessons to your child’s age and understanding. For example, demonstrating how difficult it is to strike a match may deter them from trying it unsupervised. Encourage safety discussions as part of your family routine so that children feel involved and valued.

Avoid overwhelming children with constant negative commands. If they make a mistake, such as playing with matches, explain the danger calmly instead of reacting with anger. Maintaining a trusting relationship ensures that they will turn to you for help instead of hiding something that they might have done, worried you would be annoyed with them.

8) Be Consistent

Consistency is key to reinforcing safety rules. If a rule is important, it should always be followed—no exceptions. For example, if your family rule is to wear a helmet while biking, make sure everyone, including adults, adheres to it. Similarly, everyone should evacuate immediately when a smoke detector goes off. Inconsistent enforcement teaches children that rules can be ignored, which can lead to dangerous situations.

9) Be Prepared

Preventative measures reduce risks, but accidents can still happen. Being prepared can make a significant difference:

• Take a CPR and First Aid course.

• Keep a first aid kit readily available.

• Post emergency contact information by each phone, including:

  • 911 or local emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.)

  • Your home address and phone number

  • Names and ages of children

  • Medical information (allergies, conditions, medications)

  • Contact numbers for doctors, relatives, neighbors, pharmacy, and poison control

10) Continuously Adapt and Improve

As children grow, their safety needs change. What worked for a crawling baby may not be sufficient for a toddler or an active preschooler. Regularly reassess your home and update safety measures accordingly. Keeping your First Aid and CPR certifications up to date also reinforces good habits and preparedness.

Childproofing evolves into teen-proofing, but safety remains a lifelong priority. The habits and awareness you instill in your children will guide them into adulthood, ensuring they continue to make safe choices throughout their lives.

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