A Guide to Baby Proofing Your Home

For the first few years of your child's life, their world is your home. Their inquiring hands get stuck into everything. And while adequate home insurance could cover any damage, the most important thing to protect is your little one.

Follow our guide to making your home as baby safe as possible.

How to baby proof your house

There are many dangers posed to babies and toddlers in the home - some you may not have considered. To ensure you're prepared for any eventualities, begin baby proofing room by room. Get down to child's level to see what hazards they face.

Nursery

* Make sure the slats of the cot are at least 6cm apart so your child's head won't get trapped.
* Keep small toys away from the cot and don't use soft bedding or pillows - they can be a suffocation hazard.
* Once your baby can push up onto their hands and knees, remove any hanging mobiles. Put any chords from windows or lights out of reach.
* Ensure the changing table has guardrails and a safety belt.

Kitchen

* Store cleaning products in childproof cabinets.
* Ensure all sharp utensils are out of reach.
* Keep pot and pan handles to the side or back of the stovetop.
* Keep a fire extinguisher close by and familiarise yourself with how to use it.

Sitting room

* Tape down electrical chords and secure free-standing furniture so your child can't pull any appliances or furnishings down onto themselves.
* Cover any unused electrical outlets.
* Use padding to cover sharp edges on furniture such as tables.
* Carpeted floors are less slippery than wooden floors and provide a softer landing when your child takes a tumble.

Bathroom

* Don't set hot water any higher than 49 degrees Celsius.
* Install a lid-lock on the toilet - keep it closed when not in use.
* Store all medication in childproof containers and well out of reach.
* Keep electrical appliances, such as hairdryers and shavers, unplugged and away from little hands.

Don't forget

* Stairs should be securely gated at the top and bottom.
* Keep an eagle eye out for anything that might pose a choking risk.
* Unplug and store power tools out of reach of children.
* Take out adequate contents insurance that will cover you financially should furnishings get ruined.

Once you've baby-proofed the house, read our Guide to Child and Baby Car Seats. You'll want to make sure they're as safe in the car as they are at home.

How contents insurance can help you and your child

They don't call it the ‘terrible twos' for nothing. When your child's up and running, watch out - they'll be into everything.

Make sure you've got the right contents insurance policy for you. That way, if your child manages to accidentally ruin that brand new sofa, you've got it covered.

Compare home insurance quotes.

Cost saving tips

It's no secret that becoming a parent is going to cost you. Take time out before baby arrives to see where else you could make a saving - from your car insurance to your credit card bills.

For more information on baby proofing your home please visit http://www.confused.com/home-insurance