10 ways to child proof your home

Of course there are gates at both ends of all your staircases. You’ve locked up the kitchen supplies, medications and toiletries. You’ve installed outlet covers and stove guards. But is your house truly child proof? The only sure child proofing is constant supervision, but these suggestions go a long way, too.

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1 Test your smoke detectors
Child proofing isn’t only about children. Some safety changes are specific to the needs of little ones, but you need to make your home as safe as it can possibly be for all people, in order to make it a haven for your progeny.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your house, including the basement. Ideally, they should both be electrical and battery powered (so if the power fails, the battery takes over; if the battery dies, the electrical still functions). TIP Make a date to check and/or replace the batteries every month (write it in your calendar right now). Also, keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the basement.

2 Manage the air quality
Even if you can’t smell it, the air quality inside your home may be poor. Dust and other allergens might not bother you, but could aggravate a younger person who may have or develop asthma or allergies. Have your ductwork cleaned regularly, too.

3 Mind your pets
Some pets are carriers of salmonella (turtles and amphibians, for example), but even the cute family cat and dog could be hazards. Pet food dishes, even when empty, can be dangerous to exploring hands; they harbour bacteria, so keep them covered, or in a room toddlers can’t access (one cut off by a gate).

When an animal has recently had a flea treatment (think about those common and effective over-the-counter, drop-between-the-shoulder-blade varieties), the medication moves through Fido’s coat and can get onto furniture and even friendly humans. Give your pet the treatment at night, when your baby’s gone down for the evening, so the medication has time to dry thoroughly.

4 Secure all windows
We’ve all heard the stories of children inadvertently pushing against screens to disastrous result. Keep climbable furniture away from windows so kids aren’t tempted to explore. Metal window guards are your safest bet, but there are other products designed to allow windows to open only a crack. If you’re having new windows installed, choose ones with the opening at the top, above the halfway point, as double protection against accidents.

The cords on vertical and horizontal blinds can be choking and strangulation hazards. TIP The Children's Safety Association of Canada distributes free window covering safety kits. Call: 1-888-499-4444 or visit safekid.org for a room-by-room, home safety checklist.

5 Reconsider plants
Some are gorgeous but poisonous. Some need potting extras (gravel, mulch) that could make a child sick if eaten, and many of the best decorations (marbles, rocks) are choking hazards. All in all, best to wait till junior is old enough to be responsible for watering them.