Start at their level

One of the best ways to spot potential hazards is to see your home through a child’s eyes. Literally.

Get down on the floor and look around. What can be pulled, opened, climbed, swallowed or knocked over? Suddenly, you’ll notice that loose TV cord, the low bathroom drawer or the dangling tablecloth within easy reach.

You might feel a little silly crawling around the living room. But hey, it works.

And don’t stop there. Childproofing isn’t a one-and-done job. It changes as children do. What’s safe for a six-month-old may need another rethink once they’re standing, climbing, opening doors… and disappearing into the next room at lightning speed.

 

 

Anchor the things they might climb

To a toddler, drawers are steps and bookshelves are ladders.

So make sure you secure tallboys, shelving units, televisions and entertainment cabinets to the wall. Even heavy furniture can tip if a child opens several drawers at once or uses it to pull themselves up.

While you’re at it, check what’s sitting on top of these pieces. Toys, remotes and colourful objects can give children a reason to climb. Keep them within safe reach. Or, better yet, out of sight.

Anchoring furniture is one of those invisible safety updates. You’ll barely notice it, but it can make a big difference.

 

Use safety gates strategically

Safety gates can help create clear boundaries and keep little ones away from stairs, kitchens, laundries and other high-risk areas.

Just make sure you’re using the right gate in the right place. At the top of stairs, for example, choose one designed and installed specifically for that purpose.

And check the fittings regularly. Children grow, latches loosen and toddlers have an impressive knack for cracking systems you thought were foolproof.

 

 

Lock everyday hazards away

Most parents know to lock away cleaning products and medicines. But children are often surprisingly resourceful.

So, say hello to cabinet and drawer locks, your new best friends. These are especially useful for cupboards with sharp utensils, dishwasher tablets, chemicals, alcohol, matches, vitamins or plastic bags.

One risk that’s easy to overlook? Handbags. They can contain medicines, coins, cosmetics, hand sanitiser and even small batteries – all fascinating to a child.

A simple fix is to create a designated bag drop near the entrance. A high hook, closed cupboard or shelf makes it easy for family and visitors to keep belongings safely out of reach.

 

Secure blind cords and windows

Loose blind and curtain cords often blend into the background for adults. For children, they can be both tempting and dangerous. Not to mention, as of December 2025, they may also put a rental property in breach of minimum standards.

Secure loose or looped cords firmly and keep them well out of reach. Move cots, sofas and chairs away from windows too, so they can’t double as climbing aids.

For upper-level windows, consider suitable restrictors or guards. Flyscreens may look secure, but they’re designed to keep insects out – not children in.

 

Soften the sharp spots

Coffee tables, fireplace hearths, stone benches and low shelves often sit right at toddler head height.

Corner guards and edge protectors can soften the potential impact, especially in high-traffic areas. Non-slip backing beneath rugs can also help prevent slips on timber or tiled floors.

You don’t need to cover every surface in foam. Focus on the spaces children use most and the corners that are hardest to avoid.

Sometimes, simply rearranging the room can help too. A clearer path means fewer obstacles and fewer trailing cords. Better yet? It gives little ones more room to move freely.   

 

 

Be battery aware

Button batteries are small, shiny and found in more household items than you might think.

Remote controls, car keys, bathroom scales, thermometers and toys can all contain them. Make sure battery compartments close securely, and, where possible, require a tool to open. Then, store your spare batteries somewhere locked away, and dispose of used ones promptly and safely.

It’s also worth doing the occasional sweep under furniture and between sofa cushions for other small hazards. Coins, magnets, jewellery, tiny LEGO pieces and pen lids have a habit of turning up where you least expect them.

 

Make kitchens and bathrooms safer

Kitchens and bathrooms pack a lot of everyday hazards into small spaces. Heat, water, sharp objects, slippery surfaces. And plenty of things curious hands shouldn’t reach.

In the kitchen, use back burners where possible. Turn saucepan handles inward and keep hot drinks away from bench edges. Consider removing long tablecloths and runners during the toddler years too – one tug, and everything comes down.

A handy habit? Set up a dedicated hot-drink zone at the back of the kitchen bench, safely away from little hands.

When it comes to the bathroom, non-slip mats are a must. Also, remember to unplug and store hot appliances like hair straighteners and hairdryers after use, as they can remain hot long after they’re switched off. And of course, keep cosmetics and toiletries well out of reach.

 

 

Don’t forget the garden

Outdoor areas are an extension of the home, so they deserve the same attention.

Check that your gates close and latch properly. Store tools, fertilisers and garden chemicals securely. And look for loose pavers, sharp plants, accessible water features or furniture positioned too close to fences.

Pools and spas need extra care. Keep barriers and gates properly – and regularly – maintained, and make sure they’re self-closing and self-latching. Move furniture, pots and play equipment away from the fence line too, so little climbers don’t get any ideas.

 

Safety that still feels like home

At the end of the day, the goal is never to remove every risk or wrap your home in bubble wrap. That’s impossible.

The aim is to create spaces where children can explore safely – while giving adults a little more peace of mind.

A family home still needs to feel comfortable and ready for everyday life. Thoughtful childproofing can help strike that balance, making the home safer without making it feel overly restricted.

And as little ones grow, your home can grow and adapt right along with them.

 

 

Your final home childproofing checklist

We've covered a lot, so here's a handy checklist to help you put those childproofing tips into action.

 

Around the home

• Get down to child level to spot potential hazards.
• Anchor tall furniture and TVs to the wall.
• Add corner protectors where needed and secure loose rugs.

 

Storage and household items

• Lock away medicines, cleaning products and sharp objects.
• Store handbags, batteries and other small hazards out of reach.

 

Windows and stairs

• Install and check safety gates.
• Secure blind cords and fit window restrictors where appropriate.
• Keep furniture away from windows.

 

Kitchen and bathroom

• Keep hot items, sharp utensils and appliances out of reach.
• Store toiletries and chemicals safely.

 

Outdoors

• Lock away tools and garden chemicals.
• Check gates, fences and pool barriers are secure.

 

Want more practical ideas for creating a home that works for the whole family? Discover more tips and inspiration on The Peer Blog.