There’s nothing better than inviting your grandchild to your home to play and watching their eyes light up as they excitedly explore their home away from home. But along with the fun comes a new set of responsibilities. As it’s been some time since your own children were this young, you may not have thought about childproofing in years. Sharp corners, uncovered stove knobs, and an open garden aren’t things you’ve needed to worry about until now.
However, with a few thoughtful adjustments, your home and garden can become safe environments where your grandchild makes their most cherished memories. From securing your kitchen cabinets to installing glass pool fencing, this guide covers everything you should know about childproofing your home, removing safety hazards for curious little ones and providing you with peace of mind.
Take a Hazard Inventory
One of the best ways to determine which aspects of your home require childproofing is to look at your home through the eyes of a child. Try sitting on the floor to observe potential safety hazards at a child’s eye level. Look for stairs that little feet may trip on, sharp furniture corners that could harm a running toddler, and uncovered electrical outlets that curious fingers may explore. Make a note of every fragile item that could topple over and all bits and bobs that may be mistaken for a teething toy. Go from room to room and determine the changes you must make to childproof each section.
Living Room and Bedroom Safety
Every grandparent should take a few precautions in their living room and bedrooms before welcoming a young grandchild into their home. First, ensure all heavy furniture is securely anchored to the wall to get ahead of any scary accidents. Next, fit sharp edges with soft corner protectors to lessen bumps and bruises. Cover electrical outlets to keep your grandbaby from sticking dangerous items in or pulling plugs out, which can cause electrical shocks and burns.
Likewise, do your best to cover exposed cords and wires. You may even consider swapping to cordless window blinds. Lastly, place all choking hazards (anything small enough to fit in their mouths) and breakables out of reach for your little one’s visit.
Kitchen and Bathroom Safety
Kitchens and bathrooms are hotspots for accidents, with hot stovetops, sharp knives and deep bathtubs. Never fear – you can easily make these rooms more child-friendly, like making healthy snacks to cook with your grandchild to keep them satisfied in the kitchen. Putting away cleaning supplies, medications and sharp items like knives out of their reach is absolutely crucial for keeping your grandchild safe. Installing child locks on your drawers and cabinets will give you additional peace of mind, providing a further obstacle between a little one and safety hazards.
In the kitchen, you can also install stove knob covers to prevent children from causing accidental gas leaks or burns. Bins are often overlooked in childproofing, but you should make yours inaccessible to keep wandering hands from discovering something unsafe in the rubbish. Finally, place an anti-slip mat in the tub to ensure bathtime is more about bubbles than bruises.
Water Safety
Drowning is one of the biggest dangers for kids, especially in Australia where pools and swimming spots are a common part of life. If you own a pool in your backyard, strong, tall and secure pool fencing that meets Australian regulations and safety standards is the primary task in childproofing and water safety.
If you’re worried about sacrificing your aesthetic appeal or style, there are many modern pool fences that look stylish, stop young children from entering the pool and allow you to keep an eye on children while swimming. Glass pool fences or designer pool fences are a couple of great choices that tick all the boxes for style and childproofing.
Outdoor and Garden Safety
Many of us in Australia have been blessed with lovely outdoor spaces, including gardens that are a delight to tend to. These areas are just as important to childproof as the inside of your home. Keeping gardening tools and chemicals locked away is an essential safety precaution for every family with children. You should also consider removing toxic or poisonous plants from your garden bed, as young children often put things in their mouths as part of their sensory development. If you provide outdoor play equipment for your grandbabies, inspect it periodically to ensure it is stable and safe for use.
Tech-Savvy Safety
In the modern age, technology has made it possible to provide extra safety in your home. A baby monitor can soothe your anxiety while your grandchild naps, allowing you to act quickly if they express discomfort. Once your grandbaby is old enough to wander, a home security alarm can notify you if any doors or windows are opened unexpectedly. Security alarms offer another layer of security by informing the police and fire department if there’s a break-in. You can also use technology to protect children psychologically, such as installing parental controls on your TV and computer as your grandkids age to block unsavoury content.
Rounding Out the Edges
Learning about home and garden safety is a powerful step that demonstrates your readiness to create a welcoming and secure environment for your grandchild! Simply assess your home for possible safety hazards and make simple, practical changes to prevent accidents. But remember, you don’t have to make these changes overnight. From covering your electrical outlets to installing glass pool fencing, every step you take is one toward a safer home. Focus on creating at least one safe, child-friendly space where your grandchild can play freely. In the meantime, you can protect your grandchild by blocking other areas with a baby gate or a closed door with a childproof lock. By taking these steps, you pave the way for your home to be a source of love, joy, and happy memories for years to come.
Image: Supplied
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Digital Next