Table of Contents
DIY Baby Proofing Ideas
If you have a baby or a toddler at home, you know how important it is to keep them safe from potential hazards. Baby proofing your house can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive products or hire a professional service.
But don’t worry, there are some clever and easy DIY hacks that you can do yourself with minimal cost and effort. Here are some of them:
Secure stairway railings.
The railings on staircases or landings on upper floors may look narrow, but they’re big enough for kids’ limbs (or heads) to get stuck in. Secure clear plastic or fabric to railings to deter kids from playing on them. You can use zip ties, duct tape, or velcro to attach the material to the railings.
Hide cleaning products.
Plastic bins with lids and latches that baby can’t open are a safer place for cleaning products than under your kitchen sink. If you can store them on a high shelf or out of sight in a tall cabinet, that’s even better. You can also use empty plastic bottles or containers to store your cleaning products and label them clearly.
Corral cords.
Cut a slit down an empty paper towel roll or piece of pipe insulation and thread multiple wires through it to keep them from becoming tangled in your tot’s curious hands. You can also use zip ties to pull together cords and then tuck them far away from baby’s reach. Don’t forget your USB cords that still hold a charge when they’re plugged in.
Cover outlets.
Plastic covers are the easiest way to cover outlets around the house (and safest too). But in a pinch, or when you’re visiting relatives or traveling, you can put adhesive bandages or duct tape over electrical outlets. Avoid cartoon varieties of bandages that will attract little ones’ attention.
Block off the fireplace.
The fireplace can be a dangerous place for your baby, especially if it’s lit or has sharp edges. You can use a fireplace screen, a baby gate, or a large piece of cardboard to block off the fireplace and prevent your baby from getting too close. You can also pad the sharp edges with foam or rubber.
Child proof drawers.
Drawers can be tempting for babies to open and explore, but they can also pose a risk of pinching fingers or accessing harmful items. You can use rubber bands, hair ties, or velcro straps to secure the drawers and keep them closed. You can also use adhesive hooks and string to create a simple lock for your drawers.
Install cord stops for blinds and curtains.
Blinds and curtains can be a strangulation hazard for your baby if they get tangled in the cords. You can install cord stops or cleats on the wall to keep the cords out of reach. You can also cut the cords shorter or tie them up high.
Pad sharp edges on furniture and fireplace.
Furniture and fireplace can have sharp edges that can hurt your baby if they bump into them. You can pad these edges with foam, rubber, or silicone bumpers that you can buy online or at hardware stores. You can also use pool noodles, tennis balls, or rolled up towels to create your own padding.
Put up baby gates.
Baby gates are essential for keeping your baby away from hazards such as stairs, fireplaces, kitchens, or bathrooms. You can buy ready-made baby gates or make your own with wood, PVC pipes, fabric, or mesh. Make sure the gates are sturdy and secure and fit well in the openings.
Anchor TVs and heavy furniture.
TVs and heavy furniture can tip over and injure your baby if they pull on them or climb on them. You can anchor these items to the wall with straps, brackets, or screws that you can buy online or at hardware stores. You can also move these items away from the edge of the furniture or place them on lower surfaces.
Cover exposed electrical outlets.
Electrical outlets are another source of danger for your baby if they insert their fingers or objects into them. You can cover these outlets with plastic covers, duct tape, adhesive bandages, or furniture. You can also unplug any appliances that are not in use and hide the cords behind furniture.
Put door stoppers on all doors.
Doors can slam shut and hurt your baby’s fingers or lock them in a room. You can put door stoppers on all doors to prevent them from closing completely. You can buy door stoppers online or at hardware stores, or make your own with rubber bands, socks, sponges, or foam.
Secure rugs with non-slip rug pads.
Rugs can slide and cause your baby to slip and fall if they’re not secured properly. You can secure rugs with non-slip rug pads that you can buy online or at hardware stores. You can also use double-sided tape, velcro, or carpet tacks to keep the rugs in place.
Remove everything that can break.
Breakable items such as glass, ceramics, or pottery can shatter and injure your baby if they drop them or knock them over. You can remove these items from your baby’s reach and store them in a safe place. You can also replace them with plastic, wood, or metal alternatives.
These are some of the DIY baby proofing ideas that you can try at home to make your house safer for your child. Remember to always supervise your baby and check for any new hazards as they grow and explore. Baby proofing is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and creativity. But with these tips, you can save some money and have some fun while doing it.
