Why Baby-Proofing Matters — and When to Start

Babies become mobile faster than you might expect. Crawling can begin as early as 6 months, with cruising and walking not far behind. Ideally, start baby-proofing before your baby is mobile — around the 4–5 month mark is a good time to do a safety audit of your home. It's far easier to prepare in advance than to scramble after a close call.

General Safety Principles for Every Room

  • Get down on your hands and knees to see the world from your baby's perspective — hazards look very different from floor level.
  • Secure all heavy furniture (bookshelves, dressers, TVs) to walls with anti-tip straps.
  • Cover all unused electrical outlets with socket covers.
  • Keep small objects, coins, and button batteries completely out of reach — these are serious choking and swallowing hazards.
  • Ensure all cleaning products, medications, and chemicals are stored in locked or high-up cupboards.

Room-by-Room Checklist

🛁 Bathroom

  • Install a toilet lid lock.
  • Use a non-slip mat in the bath and on the floor.
  • Set your water heater to no higher than 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding.
  • Store all medicines, razors, and toiletries in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave a child alone in the bath — drowning can happen in seconds.

🍳 Kitchen

  • Use stove knob covers and cook on back burners when possible.
  • Install magnetic or childproof locks on all lower cupboards and drawers.
  • Keep the dishwasher closed and latched — sharp utensils are a hazard.
  • Store sharp knives out of reach or in a locked block.
  • Never leave hot drinks or hot food near the edge of countertops or tables.

🛋️ Living Room

  • Use corner guards on sharp furniture edges (coffee tables, TV units).
  • Secure the TV to the wall or place it out of reach.
  • Keep all remote controls, batteries, and small decorative items put away.
  • Ensure blind and curtain cords are wound up and out of reach — these are a strangulation risk.
  • Install a fireguard if you have a fireplace.

🛏️ Baby's Room

  • Ensure the cot/crib meets current safety standards — no loose parts, no gaps larger than 6 cm between bars.
  • Keep the cot free from pillows, loose blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals.
  • Place the baby monitor out of reach and ensure cords are safely tucked away.
  • Secure the changing table with a safety strap and never step away during a change.

🚪 Hallways and Stairs

  • Install safety gates at the top and bottom of all staircases.
  • Use a pressure-mounted gate at the bottom; always use a wall-mounted gate at the top.
  • Check that banisters and railings are secure with no gaps a baby could get stuck in.

Outdoor Safety

  • Fence off garden ponds, paddling pools, and any water features.
  • Check that garden plants aren't toxic — many common plants can be harmful if ingested.
  • Store garden tools, fertilisers, and pesticides in a locked shed.

Baby-Proofing Is an Ongoing Process

As your child grows and develops new skills, new hazards emerge. A safety check every few months — especially as your baby starts walking and climbing — will help you stay ahead. Remember: no amount of baby-proofing replaces active supervision, but it significantly reduces the risk of accidents while giving your child the freedom to explore.