Once your little one starts moving around, they become more vulnerable than when they were a newborn. Whether they're crawling or taking their first steps, their chances of getting hurt increase. It's crucial to baby-proof your home to minimize the risk of accidents.

It Starts with You

As a parent, you need to make some changes to ensure your baby's safety. Babies are curious and will only learn about safety as they grow. Here are some steps you can take:

• Never leave your baby alone in the house or with a young sibling or pet.
• Stay vigilant. Evenings can be particularly challenging, as you may be tired and dealing with multiple tasks. Ensure your baby's safety remains a priority.
• Learn basic first aid and keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy. It's better to be prepared even if you never need to use it.
• Dress your baby sensibly. Avoid scarves or other items that could pose a hazard to an active baby.

Baby-Proofing Your Home

Once your baby starts crawling or walking, see the world from their perspective. Get down to their level and look around each room, noting potential hazards from the floor up to about a meter in height. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Kitchen Safety

• Supervision is key. Until your child is at least 9, don't allow them in the kitchen without direct supervision. Consider installing a safety gate.
• Keep them away from the oven. Model the dangers by pretending to touch it and saying "Hot! Ouch!" to make them aware.
• Secure the cooktop. Keep pot and pan handles turned inward and use childproof latches on drawers and cupboards.
• Dishwasher safety. Keep the door shut and only load/unload when your child is out of the way.
• Bin safety. Locate the bin out of reach or use a childproof latch. Bins can be dangerous and messy.
• Countertop safety. Never sit your child on a counter or bench-top.
• Hot liquids and plastic bags. Keep hot liquids out of reach and store plastic bags safely, tying knots in them to prevent suffocation risks.
• Stools and cords. Keep stools away from countertops and ensure cords and cables are out of reach.
• Spills and chemicals. Clean up spills immediately and store detergents and polishes in a high, latched cupboard.
• Fire extinguisher. Always have one in the kitchen.

Bathroom Safety

- Never leave your child unattended in the bath.

- Set water temperature below 48 degrees Celsius to prevent burns. Bath water should be 37-38 degrees, and 36 for newborns.

- Use protective covers on bath spouts and a slip mat in the tub.

- Remove electrical appliances when your child is in the bathroom, or store them securely.

Doors and Windows

• Lock windows, especially on upper floors. Use window latches to prevent them from opening more than 10 cm.
• Keep climbing aids away. Make sure there are no chairs or objects they can climb onto near windows.
• Prevent door slamming. Use towels over doors to keep them ajar and doorstops to hold them open.
• Teach door safety. Encourage your child to keep their fingers away from the hinge side of doors.

General Safety Tips

• Blind and curtain cords. Tie these up out of reach.
• Breakable objects. Store them up high and out of reach.
• Cover power points with furniture or get covers from a hardware store.
• Store cleaning products and medicines in high, latched cupboards.
• Non-skid backing on rugs to prevent slipping.
• Secure electronics. Wall-mount your TV to prevent it from falling.
• Remove tablecloths and other dangling items until your child is older.
• Cushion sharp edges on tables and chairs.
• Anchor bookcases and cupboards to the wall to prevent them from toppling over.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of your active baby requires vigilance and some changes around your home. By taking these practical steps, you can create a safer environment for your little one to explore and grow. Remember, it's all about seeing the world from their perspective and anticipating potential hazards.