Most homes are not intrinsically dangerous places. However, when you are expecting a baby to come on the scene it is the perfect time to start making your home ready for the addition of a little one. This might mean just redecorating a spare bedroom as a nursery, but you should also take the time to make your home toddler-proof and fully safe. Before you know it, your baby will be running around and sticking their nose into places you might prefer they didn't. What should you be doing to make your home safe in readiness for an inquisitive youngster?

Stair Safety

Staircases in most homes on no-go areas for toddlers who are just learning to maintain their balance and to walk. Therefore, access to your stairs should be restricted by installing a toddler gate at both the bottom and the top of your stairs. Use one with a locking latch mechanism which means you are able to get through easily, but your child won't be able to figure out easily. Although open stairwells look great in modern homes a staircase balustrade is essential to prevent accidents. As such, you should have one fitted or have your existing one repaired before your baby starts to walk. The vertical elements of a balustrade should be close enough together to prevent a toddler from falling through sideways.

Electrical Safety

Babies who are beginning to crawl will find anything at head height of interest. They explore with their mouths and fingers at first, so electrical sockets which are close to the floor should be out of bounds. Install blank electrical faceplates in order to prevent children from poking tongue or finger into a socket. If a socket is in use, then it is a good idea to put something like a chair in the way so that it does not become an area of interest.

Cabinet Safety

When children are in the kitchen or the bathroom you should make sure that they cannot access anything which may harm them, especially if they can get in without your supervision from time-to-time. Therefore, you should fit latches on the inside of cabinets which hold things like medical supplies and cleaning products, such as bleach. These can be easily screwed in place on the inside of doors. Remember that sharp objects should also be placed in drawers and cupboards with restricted access, too. This includes kitchen knives as well as shaving equipment. Even safety razors can be dangerous in little hands.