Child Proofing Your Home Checklist

Electricity

• Ensure a safety switch is installed on the main switchboard to prevent electric shock
• Put Outlet Plugs in unused power points
• Make sure there are no dangling electrical cords that your child can reach anywhere 

Windows, Windows, Glass , Glass Doors & Balconies & Balconies

• Don’t put anything a child could climb onto underneath a window or edge of balconies
• Put stickers on low windows and glass doors to help children see them
• Consider applying shatter resistant film to any non-shatterproof windows and doors
• If above ground floor install latches to Ensure windows can’t be opened more than 10cm
• Teach your children to play away from windows and glass doors
• Don’t rely on fly screens to stop your child from falling out of a window
• Ensure balustrades on balconies are secure, intact and not loose so can’t be pulled off
• Ensure children are always supervised on balconies

Burns and Scalds Burns and Scalds

• Ensure the kettle cord is out of reach of children
• When cooking ensure pot and pan handles are turned away from the edge of the stove
• Fit a tap guard to the hot water tap to children from turning it on
• Fill the bath with cold water first or fit a thermostatic valve to the bathroom taps

Heaters and Fire Hazards

• Ensure fire alarms are installed and working correctly and test regularly
• Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen
• Install guards around heaters and open fireplaces
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children

Stairs

• Install stair safety gates at top and bottom of stairs and make sure they are locked

Floor Coverings

• Put anti slip mats under rugs and mats and tack down loose carpet or rug edges
• Wood and tile floors can be slippery when wet so clean spills up immediately

Kitchen

• Keep small fridge magnets out of reach of children as they can be a chocking hazard
• Consider installing anti opening devices for microwave, oven, fridge and dishwasher
• Consider a locking device for dishwasher and always place dirty knifes sharp end down
• Keep surfaces hygienically clean by wiping them down regularly
• Keep appliance cords away from edge so children can’t pull them or use a cord shortener
• Consider a stove guard to keep children far enough away from hot oven door
• When cooking ensure pot and pan handles are turned away from the edge of the stove
• Keep plastic bags out of reach as they are a suffocation hazard Keep cleaning products including dishwasher powder and tablets out of reach or secured
• Keep sharp objects out of reach or secured
• Keep the rubbish bin out of reach or secured so it can’t be opened by a child
• Consider installing cupboard and drawer locks to help prevent children opening them

Toys

• Ensure all toys are suitable for your Childs age
• Remove and discard all packaging bore letting your child play with the toy
• Check the toy for any loose or removable parts that could become a chocking hazard
• Immediately repair or throw away damaged or broken toys
• Be aware of stings, ribbons and cords as they could become a strangulation hazard
• Ensure toys are kept hygienically clean

Other Cautions

• Put locks or safety latches on drawers or cupboards containing hazards to children such as medicine cabinet, cleaning products, poisons or sharp objects etc.
• Never carry a baby with hot food or drink or never pass to a breast feeding women or lift over a child Avoid using table cloths as baby could pull it causing things on table to fall on them
• Consider door stops and hinge protectors to prevent fingers getting trapped
• Never leave any water in containers as babies only need a few centimeteres to drown
• Avoid bean bags in your home as the small polystyrene balls can be a chocking hazard