Safety for children
Childproofing tips

Safety for children

Children are prone to accidents, particularly when there’s a number of them charging around. Make sure you remove all safety hazards – like having ponds or pools enclosed, stairgates fitted and dangerous objects put away. 

If your child isn’t toddling yet, get a friend whose child is this age to cast a critical eye to make sure your house is child-friendly. You don’t want an accident ruining your day. 

Child proofing tips

• Use stair gates on the stairs and to cordon off hazardous areas such as the kitchen.
• Check the locks on doors/toilets to make sure they don’t stick/are broken to avoid children being locked in.
• Lock doors on rooms you don’t want children to access eg cellar/basement/garage
• Remove ornaments and other breakables, remove all clutter possible
• Keep knives well out of reach, particularly the knife for the christening cake
• Turn sockets off and use socket guards
• Remove furniture you don’t need such as coffee tables and push other furniture to the sides of the rooms to minimise the risk of collisions
• Check garden for hazards such as broken/uneven steps, poisonous or very spiky plants, ponds, water features. Barrier off if possible or direct the proceedings to another part of the garden.
• Designate a play area with soft flooring or mats down to minimise impact of falls or adults tripping over toys.
• Have plenty of children’s sunscreen and a first aid kit on hand.