How to babyproof your home

Babies and toddlers are eager to explore the world around them – it’s how they learn! This natural curiosity is key for their development, but it can also put them in harm’s way. Thankfully, most injuries are preventable by taking simple steps to make your home safer for every member of your family.

Common babyproofing questions

What is babyproofing?

Babyproofing is the act of making an environment or object safe for children, including putting safety measures in place around your home to reduce the risk of your baby or toddler getting hurt.

Why is babyproofing so important?

Unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability for children under five worldwide, with most occurring in the home.

By making your home safer, you are not only protecting your child but also giving them the freedom to learn and explore in a more secure environment.

How should I start babyproofing?

First, check every room in your home for potential hazards. It can be helpful to also get low to the ground while you are going through to see things from your little one’s perspective!

Common household hazards and ways to protect your child

Every home is different, but the principles are the same: Try to stay one step ahead of your child, manage the environment and never rely on supervision alone.
 

Burns and scalds

Hot drinks, stoves and bath water are among the biggest dangers for small children. A child’s thinner skin burns more quickly and at lower temperatures than an adult’s.

How to keep your children safe

• Keep hot drinks and food away from table edges.
• Always use the back burners of the stove and turn pot handles inward.
• Always run an open hand through the water or use a bath thermometer to check its temperature before introducing your child to the bath. A temperature of 37-38°C / 98.6-100.4°F – body temperature – is ideal.
• Store matches, lighters and candles out of reach.
• Install smoke alarms if available, and practice a family fire escape plan.
• Make sure hot irons are placed out of reach and where they can cool down safely.

> Learn more about preventing burns, scalds and fire-related injuries
 

Choking, strangulation and suffocation

Children explore the world by putting things in their mouths, which puts them at risk of choking on food toys or small objects. Items like cords and soft bedding can also pose suffocation and strangulation risks.

How to keep your children safe

• Avoid giving young children small hard foods such as nuts, whole grapes, or hard candies.
• Keep small toys, batteries and coins out of reach.
• Place babies to sleep on their backs, on a firm mattress, with no blankets, pillows or toys.
• Keep cords from blinds and drawstrings tied up and out of reach
   

Drowning

A child can drown in as little as 5 cm of water, and it can happen silently within seconds.

How to keep your child safe

• Never leave a young child unattended in the bath – even for a moment.
• Empty buckets, basins and tubs immediately after use.
• Fence off ponds, pools or wells near the home.
• Always stay within an arm’s reach of a child near water.

> Learn more about ways to protect against drowning
 

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of children’s emergency hospital visits. Babies can fall from beds and changing tables, while toddlers can easily trip, fall down stairs, off of furniture or out of windows.

How to keep your children safe

• Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table, bed or sofa.
• Keep floors clear of clutter to reduce tripping hazards.
• If possible, install stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Use window guards, locks or safety catches to prevent falls.

Poisoning

Children are naturally curious and may mistake medicine or cleaning products, such as dishwasher tablets, for food.

How to keep your children safe

• Store all medicines, cleaning products and chemicals in locked or high cupboards.
• Keep products in their original containers with labels to ensure they aren’t confused for something else.
• Never store chemicals in drink bottles or food containers.
• Choose products with child-resistant caps if available.

Cuts, bruises and other injuries

Furniture and objects around your home can pose potential risks to your inquisitive little one.

How to keep your children safe

• Be mindful of sharp corners and edges on furniture. If possible, move potentially dangerous items from areas where your child is likely to be or install edge protectors if available.
• Pay attention to electrical outlets around your home. Once your child is old enough to understand, teach them the importance of keeping their fingers away from sockets. Until then, try to keep sockets out of your child's reach as much as possible.
• Keep scissors, knives, razors and other sharp objects far out of reach.

Babyproofing is not about restricting your little one’s curiosity – it’s about creating an environment where they can explore safely. By anticipating risks and making small changes, you can give your child both the freedom to learn and protection from harm.