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It can be daunting thinking about all the things in your home that you don’t want your child getting their hands on. The best way to keep hazards away is by installing barriers to prevent access. Childproofing doesn’t need to be a scary or difficult process, just take it a step at a time.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Visit each room in your home where your little one will have access too. Some things to consider:
TIP: Get down low and see the world from your child’s point of view, you may find hazards you wouldn’t typically notice!
Once you’ve noted all the things that will need attention, it’s time to plan. Every home is different, and to save multiple trips to the shops, make a list of all the hazards you want to secure.
There are a lot of different designs and styles of childproof locks, latches, protectors and baby gates. Have a look at what is available and decide what will work with your home.
Here are some common child and baby solutions that may work in your home.
Locks and latches can be used in a wide range of applications. With multiple designs available, there’s sure to be an option that will fit that set of drawers in the playroom, or the TV cabinet doors in the lounge room.
Childproof locks come in a range of shapes, sizes and materials. They can be used to make drawers, cupboards and more, lockable.
Adhesive: Quick and easy to install, peel and stick locks and latches to any problem areas. Remove when no longer needed.
Concealed: Hidden within the locked door, drawer or cabinet. These are ideal for main areas where you want to keep things clean and clutter free.
Damage free: Adhesive free and no screws required, these latches are great for door handles and are often adjustable to suit different handle designs.
The last thing you want is for your child to stick their fingers or an object into an electrical point. Luckily there are safety options that are easy to use and designed to keep little fingers out. Outlet covers are a quick and easy-to-install solution for blocking off electrical points. Slim and unobtrusive, their low profile lets them blend in.
Kids love to climb, and so tipping furniture is a big danger to curious children. Securing any item that is tippable to the wall is an important safety step for all parents. Securing TVs, TV units, bookcases and shelving units in rooms where kids have access is essential. Anchor kits with adjustable straps that connect furniture to the wall are ideal as they suit most homes and installs. Secure the anchors to a stud in the wall for maximum stability.
Both open windows and curtain cords present dangers to children, so each needs to be safely secured.
If your windows have built in safety locks, always ensure they’re in the locked position when in the room. If not, adhesive window locks are a great solution for sliding windows to prevent them from being opened.
Utilise the cord hooks included with your blinds or curtains and install them up high to keep any cables out of reach.
Tables, benchtops, coffee tables and even some chairs and sofas can have sharp corners. Often, these corners are at eye level, making them extremely dangerous to children. There is a variety of products on the market you can use to soften corners around your home.
Clear corner protectors are durable and offer a sleek look, providing impact protection while blending with decor. Foam corner protectors are softer and spongey but may be bulkier and less discreet. Both types help to protect against bumps and bruises.
There may be some rooms, stairs or spaces that you want to completely block off from your child. A baby gate can be a helpful solution in this situation. Be sure to do your research on all the different types of baby gates and their features to find the right type. Read How to choose the right baby gate article for help with this.
TIP: Remember kids are always learning! If your little one learns how to open or get around a baby gate, lock or latch, change it up. Remove the old and try a different design.
Take a look at our wide range of child safety products and find the right items for your home.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
