Practical Ways to Childproof Areas of the Home We Forget About

Practical Ways to Childproof Areas of the Home We Forget About

If you want to childproof your home, you’re probably going to focus on the main danger areas we all know about, like adding stair gates, putting socket covers in place, installing cupboard locks, and so on, and those are very important and will definitely help to keep your little ones safe, but the truth is a lot of accidents actually happen in the areas we don’t think about. That’s why taking a bit of a wider view of your home and what’s in it (and outside it) can be a good idea, and with that in mind, here are some practical ways to childproof areas of the home we forget about – read on to find out more. 

Windows And Openings 

Windows are usually childproofed indoors, and for good reason, but the areas around them can be easily missed, and things like low-level windows, basement openings, and window wells can all be massive risks if you can get to them from outside, or they’re within reach of the children at all. 

Installing custom window well covers can add an extra layer of protection while still allowing light and ventilations – they’ll help prevent accidental falls and keep debris and water out too, so they’re a great option for childproofing. 

Furniture And Storage Areas

Tall furniture is a pretty well-known risk already, but the reality is that they’re not the only pieces of furniture you need to think about because smaller items can cause problems as well. If you’ve got drawers that pull out easily, lightweight shelving, open storage units that might tip if a child stands on them, and similar things, then you might have a problem. So you’ll want to make sure you secure furniture to the wall and avoid placing tempting items on top and that’s going to reduce the risk. 

It’s also worth checking storage areas like hallways, utility rooms, garages, etc, where tools, cleaning products, and heavy equipment might be stored, and then move it out of reach if it’s a potential problem. 

Doors And Pinch Points 

Doors can also create hazards in ways people don’t always expect – fingers can get trapped in hinges, for example, and heavy doors can swing shut unexpectedly. If you put some cheap and cheerful door stops in place, or invest in some finger guards, that can absolutely help to prevent injuries, especially if rooms where children might be a lot of the time. 

Outdoor Access Points 

Garden access points, side gates, and steps are very often overlooked when it comes to childproofing, but the fact is that things like uneven surfaces, loose paving, or unsecured gates can quickly become a hazard. 

That’s why it’s wise to make sure outdoor areas are as safe as indoor ones, so you can create a safe, secure environment for your children, and have peace of mind that no matter where they might be in the house or garden, they’re going to be safe. 

Regular Checks 

Childproofing isn’t really something you can do once and then just assume it’s fine and not think about it again. As children grow, their abilities are going to change, and you’ll have new risks appearing, which is why it’s a good idea to regularly walk through your home with fresh eyes so you can catch the problems before they become serious ones.