Home Safety: Making Your Space Childproof

When your baby starts moving -- rolling, crawling, then walking -- the world becomes a playground. The problem is, your home wasn't designed as one. Here's how to make it safe.

When should you act?

The right time is before your baby starts moving. Most babies begin crawling between 6 and 10 months, but some start scooting by rolling as early as 4-5 months.

Room by room

Living room

• Cover electrical outlets with plug-in protectors
• Anchor tall furniture to the wall (bookshelves, dressers) with anti-tip brackets
• Pad the corners of low tables with soft corner guards
• Remove fragile decorations and small objects within reach
• Hide or secure electrical cords

Kitchen

• Use the back burners whenever possible
• Turn pot handles inward
• Install safety locks on drawers containing knives and cleaning products
• Never leave the baby alone in the kitchen

Bathroom

• Never leave the baby alone in the bath, not even for a second
• Set the hot water thermostat below 48C (120F)
• Lock up medications and cleaning products
• Place a non-slip mat in the bathtub

Bedroom

• The crib must meet safety standards (bar spacing 4.5-6.5 cm / 1.75-2.5 inches)
• No pillows, stuffed animals, or soft blankets in the crib until 12 months
• Secure curtains and cords up high, out of reach

The less obvious hazards

• Button batteries: if swallowed, they can cause severe damage within hours
• Small magnets: if swallowed in pairs, they can perforate the intestine
• Plastic bags: suffocation risk
• Coins: among the most commonly swallowed objects
• Houseplants: some are toxic (poinsettia, oleander, dieffenbachia)

The essential safety kit

• Outlet covers
• Corner guards for tables
• Stair gates
• Drawer and cabinet locks
• Anti-tip brackets for furniture
• Non-slip mat for the bathtub
• Window locks

Perfect safety doesn't exist -- but prevention dramatically reduces risks. Supervision and common sense remain your best allies.