Brooklyn Homes’s Guide on How to Baby Proof a New House

Moving into a new home is exciting, especially if you’ve got young kids. It’s a fresh start, more space, and a chance to build new memories together. But along with all the good stuff come a few risks. Babies and toddlers are curious, and a new house is full of things they shouldn’t be getting into.

Baby proofing isn’t about being over the top. It’s about making sure your child can crawl around, explore, and learn without putting themselves in danger. A little bit of planning now means your home feels safe, comfortable, and ready for family life.

Why Baby Proofing New Houses Are a Priority

A new home brings excitement, but it also introduces risks for curious children. Young children spend most of their time at home, and this environment must be safe enough to prevent accidents. Injuries that seem minor for adults can have serious consequences for babies and toddlers. Preparing your house early reduces the likelihood of accidents once a child starts crawling and exploring.

Leading Causes of Childhood Injuries

Falls, burns, and poisoning are among the leading causes of harm for children under five in Australia. Drowning also remains a major risk, even in shallow water found in bathtubs or buckets. Many of these incidents occur inside the home or in surrounding areas like backyards and driveways. Baby proofing aims to minimise these hazards before a child encounters them.

Planning and Hazard Assessment

Conducting a Child’s-Eye View Inspection

The best way to start is by viewing your home from a child’s perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and look for hazards at their level. Cords, low drawers, sharp edges, and small objects are all dangers you will notice immediately. This process highlights areas that adults often overlook when moving through the home.

Creating a Safety Checklist

A checklist helps keep track of safety fixes. It ensures that each part of the house is reviewed and updated as children grow. Parents should focus on immediate hazards first, then return to secondary risks. A clear order of priority might include:

1. Locking away poisons and medicines.
2. Securing furniture and televisions.
3. Installing safety gates on stairs.
4. Adjusting hot water systems to safe temperatures.
5. Adding window and blind cord safety devices.

How to Baby Proof Living Room and Play Areas

Securing Furniture and Electronics

The living room often contains heavy items such as bookshelves, televisions, and coffee tables. These can tip if a child tries to climb them. Anchoring furniture to the wall prevents falls and reduces injury risk. Electrical cords should be fastened to walls or tucked behind furniture to keep them out of reach. Covering unused power points with outlet protectors adds another layer of safety.

Preventing Small Object and Choking Risks

Children are naturally drawn to items left on low surfaces. Coins, batteries, and small toy parts are common choking hazards. Parents should keep small objects well out of reach and check the floor daily for stray items. A good routine is to:

• Store children’s toys in accessible bins.
• Place adult items like remote controls and keys on higher shelves.
• Sweep or vacuum floors regularly to remove small debris.

How to Baby Proof Kitchen and Dining Area 

Managing Heat, Sharp Objects, and Appliances

The kitchen poses serious risks. Pots with boiling water, knives, and toasters can cause immediate harm if within reach. Pot handles should be turned inward on the stove, and knives stored in locked drawers or well above bench height. Ovens, kettles, and other appliances must never be left unattended when hot. Parents may choose to use stove knob covers or guards to stop children from turning on burners.

Poisoning and Chemical Safety

Most cases of poisoning in young children happen at home, usually from common household products. Cleaning supplies, dishwashing powder, and medicines must be stored in locked cupboards or on shelves at least 1.5 metres high. Containers should always be kept in their original packaging with labels intact. Families should also keep the Poisons Information Centre number (13 11 26) displayed clearly in the kitchen for emergencies.

How to Baby Proof the Nursery and the Bedroom Safely

Cot and Sleep Environment Standards

The nursery should be a secure place for sleep and play. Cots must meet Australian safety standards, with bars spaced correctly and mattresses that fit snugly. Loose bedding, pillows, and toys increase suffocation risk and should not be placed in the cot. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet is the safest option for babies.

Furniture, Windows, and Balcony Safety

Furniture in bedrooms, such as drawers and changetables, must be secured to walls to prevent tipping. Windows are another major hazard. Window restrictors or guards should be fitted so openings are no larger than 125 millimetres. If the home has balconies, the railings should be at least one metre high with no footholds or climbable gaps. Removing climbable furniture from near these areas further reduces risk.

How to Baby Proof the Bathroom

Preventing Burns and Scalds

Hot water is a common cause of burns in children. The temperature of household water systems should be set to a maximum of 50°C to reduce the chance of scalding. Bath water should be around 38°C for infants and toddlers. Non-slip mats in baths and showers lower the risk of falls.

Safe Storage and Drowning Risks

Medicines, cleaning products, and personal care items should be stored in locked or elevated cupboards. Buckets, baths, and toilets must be emptied or closed after use. Children can drown in only a few centimetres of water, so active supervision during bath time is essential.

Keeping the Hallways, Stairs, and Doors Safe

Stair Gates and Railings

Safety gates installed at the top and bottom of staircases help prevent dangerous falls. These gates should be securely fixed to walls or banisters. Staircases should also have sturdy railings that meet building codes for spacing and strength.

Door Safety and Lighting

Doors can pinch small fingers, so door stops or pinch guards are useful. Hallways and staircases should be well lit to help children and adults move safely at night. Night lights are an affordable and effective option.

Outdoor and Pool Safety

Pool and Water Regulations

In Australia, pool fencing laws require barriers for any pool deeper than 30 centimetres. Gates must self-close and latch securely. Brooklyn Homes is a leading home builder in NSW and QLD. We incorporate safety compliance into all designs. Even with these measures in place, children should never be left unsupervised near water.

Driveways, Gardens, and Outdoor Equipment

Driveways pose risks when vehicles reverse, so fencing between play areas and driveways is strongly recommended. Garden chemicals and tools should be stored securely out of reach. Outdoor play equipment like trampolines and climbing frames should be anchored to the ground to prevent tipping.

Common Hazards and Safety Strategies

Electrical and Fire Safety

Power outlets not in use should be covered with child-safe plugs. Residual current devices, known as safety switches, should be fitted to home electrical circuits. Smoke alarms must be installed on every level of the home and tested regularly. Families should also prepare a fire escape plan and practice it.

Poisoning, Choking, and Strangulation Risks

Blind cords must be shortened or fitted with safety devices to remove looped sections. Button batteries, magnets, and small toys should be kept out of reach to avoid choking. Parents should be alert to foods such as grapes and nuts, which may require cutting or supervision.

Conclusion

Baby proofing is not a one-time task. As children grow, they reach new heights and develop new skills, requiring updates to safety measures. Parents should revisit their safety checklist regularly to adapt to each stage of development.

Physical barriers and safety devices create a safer environment, but they cannot replace supervision. The most important safeguard is active attention from parents and carers. Brooklyn Homes encourages families to integrate safety planning into their everyday routines. This approach ensures that homes are not only beautiful and functional but also secure places for children to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Proofing

When should I start baby proofing my home?

Ideally, baby proofing should begin before your child starts crawling. This ensures that hazards are already managed once they become mobile.

What is the most important room to baby proof first?

The kitchen and bathroom should be priorities because they contain many of the most serious risks, including poisons, heat, and water hazards.

How high should I store medicines and cleaning products?

Store them in locked cupboards or at least 1.5 metres above the ground, well out of a child’s reach.

Are baby gates really necessary?

Yes, especially for staircases. Gates help prevent serious falls and provide peace of mind.

How do I make windows safe for children?

Fit restrictors or safety guards so openings are less than 125 millimetres. Remove furniture that children could climb near windows.

What temperature should bath water be for young children?

The safe temperature is around 38°C. Hot water systems should also be set to a maximum of 50°C.

Do I need to baby proof outdoor areas as well?

Yes. Pools, driveways, and gardens all pose risks. Secure fences, lock away tools and chemicals, and supervise play outside.

What are the biggest choking hazards at home?

Common items include coins, batteries, small toy parts, nuts, and grapes. These should be kept out of reach or prepared safely.

Are smoke alarms required in every home?

Yes. Smoke alarms must be installed on every level of a home in Australia. They should be tested regularly and maintained.

Does baby proofing mean I can leave my child unsupervised?

No. Baby proofing reduces risks but does not replace active supervision. Parents and carers remain the most important safeguard for children.

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