Baby Proofing Your Home

Kitchen:If the layout of your kitchen allows it, erect a barrier across your kitchen’s doorway to prevent your child

entering while you cook.

Ensure that all pot handles and cords don’t overhang the benches and stove avoiding the possibility of

your child pulling something down on top of her.

Use a stove/hot plate guard.

Don’t use a table cloth with young children – one tug and the entire contents of the table can be on the

floor and all over them.

Keep detergents and cleaning substances out of reach of your child.

Never store poisons in food containers.

Place child-proof locks on all cupboards and drawers that are in reach of your child.

Laundry:If you use a nappy bucket, ensure that it is always closed securely and is stored out of reach of your

child.

Store all detergents and bleaches in a locked cupboard that is out of reach of your child.

Make sure that all buckets are left empty.

Bathroom:The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house, so never let your child ‘play’ in there

and always supervise her when she is in there.

Young children can drown in a small amount of water.

Always start running a bath by turning on the cold tap first and then adding the hot water to it – your

child can easily be scalded by hot water.

Make sure that the running water in your bathroom cannot exceed 50 degrees.

Keep all electrical appliances out of the bathroom to avoid possible electrocution.

Although baby ramps and seats are designed to keep your baby safe in the bath, always supervise as it

is possible that she could slide out or tip over.

When you are bathing your young child, ensure that you have everything you need in the bathroom with

you before you start.

Always store medications in a locked child-proof cupboard that is out of reach.