Childproofing your home for a second baby

You’ve been through it once before and now you have to do it all over again only this time there’s an elder brother or sister in the house.

Six essential tips to make your home safe for a new baby

• Take a very close look at any equipment you intend to reuse. What sort of condition is it in?. Used clips, straps, safety catches and fixtures may not be in the best working order. If in doubt buy new or get an expert to do a refit.
• You have to get down on you hands and knees again to remind yourself what the new baby/toddler can see and reach. You do have to go back to basics.
• An older child’s toys are often a danger to a younger one – be sure to keep them away and injury can also arise from them being left on the floor.
• New and better child safety products are coming out all the time. Look at what is available now, and compare them to what you bought a few years ago. You may need to update a few items.
• Potty training is a real hazard. The older child will be using the toilet and not necessarily putting the lid down afterwards. Use a separate potty chair and install a lid lock and train the older child to use the lock.
• Get the older child involved as your safety helper. Train the brother or sister to understand the dangers of leaving toys and other items in places the new toddler can get hold of them. Empower them with the awareness that small objects can cause choking and never to give the new baby anything without parental permission. And especially never to put anything near a babies mouth.
• Of course, you could always call out the experts too.