If a new baby is on the way and you’re about to move home, you have undoubtedly received a barrage of advice about how to childproof your home. The truth is that accidental injuries are considered a major health problem throughout the UK, with over two million children under the age of 15 experiencing accidents in the home. Statistics show that the 0-4 age group is at greatest risk, which makes sense considering balance and skills like walking are still being learned and refined. By following a few handy tips,you can ensure your little ones avoid fires, falls, and other nasty accidents, without necessarily losing your sense of home style.

 

Determining Where and When Accidents Happen

According to accident prevention association, ROSPA, although most accidents occur in the living room (because kids and adults tend to spend the most time there), the most serious ones take place in the kitchen and on the stairs, mostly in the afternoon or at night. During holidays, they can happen at any time of the day, simply because children are around more. When designing your child’s safe space, take these statistics into account and place due priority in these key areas with the help of baby gates and burn prevention setups.

 

Cool Baby Gates

Baby gates don’t have to comprise boring metal bars at the top of the stairs. If your home is modernistic in inspiration, consider gates in materials like dark wood, which can be painted in the same hue as your walls for a seamless look. Equally pretty are gates made in a mix of decorative wood and metal. Top end varieties have various extension frames so the gate can be adapted to both wide and narrow openings.

Investing in Childproof Kitchen Appliances

When buying electrical appliances, opt for modernistic ones that have as few buttons and handles visible as possible. Electric hobs that have all buttons and knobs on the back (pressed to the wall) will stop curious kids from unwittingly turning the heat on and getting burned. If buttons are up front, cover them with an opaque fire guard, which won’t ruin the visuals of your kitchen but will completely keep knobs out of reach. Choose similar equipment throughout the kitchen to keep little hands away from harm. Forget fridges with ice or water dispensers unless you are willing to risk a mess on the kitchen floor. When it comes to washing machines, opt for those with a button that you hold down for a specific amount of time to lock the controls. This way, children won’t be able to change the cycle midway.

 

Reducing the Risk of Painful Bumps

If you are furnishing a new home, think about whether you really want to place foam guards on all furniture with sharp corners that children can bump into. These guards work well but aren’t the most savvy looking devices. Kill two bird with one stone by replacing furniture like coffee tables with ottomans, and by opting for curved items – everything from coffee stands to decorative pieces. Place furniture strategically so that toddlers can walk from one piece to another, using their hands for extra support.

 

Softening the Fall

Kids are bound to have a few little spills and falls while they are perfecting their walking skills. Make it easy on them by fitting your home with heavy carpets in front of high furniture such as the sofa and living room chairs. Marble look elegant but will not soften blows. Invest instead in hardwood or even laminated floors, which come in trendy colors like stark white, grey, and black.

Babyproofing your home can result in über chic choices such as fridges with no visible buttons, rounded furniture that imitates natural forms, and rugs in simple minimalistic tones. You can always use traditional aids such as furniture guards and outlet stoppers, since kids grow up fast and you know these will only be temporary. When buying furniture and appliances, consider issues such as accessibility and opt for items that make it harder for baby to take control.