Child-proofing your home in Cape Town doesn’t have to be expensive and not all the recommended steps have to be taken immediately.
It will be some time before a baby becomes a mobile toddler. That said, implementing as many safety measures as possible before you have your hands full is a good idea.
DIY child-proofing solutions
For cash-strapped Cape Town parents, it isn’t always necessary to spend on commercial baby-proofing products.
There are easy ways to protect your little one from everyday hazards using nothing more than ingenuity and a few household items.
Slip-in slip-out stairway block
A large piece of chip board, covered in plastic or fabric, is a safe and cost-effective way to create a gate that blocks off the stairs. Slip between rails at the bottom and top.
Source: Maison de Pax
Custom door handle covers
A simple lidded container can be transformed into a “door lock without a key”. Cut a star-shaped hole in the plastic lid, with straight lines cut a quarter of the way down to each corner.
Ease the lid over the doorknob. Secure the lid and container back together again. Choose a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Source: Pinterest
Barricade the bookcase
Bicycle inner tubes are ideal for keeping books where they should be – securely stacked in the bookcase. All you have to do is slip a tube over both the books and bookcase… but only on the shelves your toddler can reach.
Source: Instructables
Slide-secure vertical drawers
To secure vertical drawers, slide an iron slat or sturdy piece of wood through the handles. If you have a tension rod, so much the better.
Source: Pinterest
Rubberised door locking deterrent
Looping a rubber band into the figure 8, stretching it tightly across a door’s lock mechanism, and snapping each side of the band over a handle is a great way to prevent youngsters from getting locked in or out.
Source: Revolar
Easy hacks for sharp edges
Sharp edges and corners on tables, dressers and shelves can be dangerous, especially for little ones learning to walk.
Cut a pool noodle lengthwise and apply it to all the danger areas for a quick, easy and effective baby bumper. They can quickly be removed when visitors come.
Source: Miss Information
Tape up electrical outlets
Babies are inquisitive. If they’re not popping things in their mouths, they’re poking chubby little fingers into nooks and crannies.
Electrical outlets pose a serious danger. Cover them firmly with insulation tape to prevent a disaster. Ensure a toddler can’t pull it off.
Source: Pinterest
Some businesses that offer child-proofing products in Cape Town
There are lots of child-proofing products on the market. Here are a few places to find what you might need:
A simple Google search for “pool covers Cape Town” yields details of several companies that offer child-safe pool covers.
Ensuring your swimming pool is covered is a mandatory requirement when there are youngsters around.
Baby- and toddler-proofing checklist
Here’s a checklist of the elements in the home that need to be considered.
Living areas
- Remove all glass and breakable objects.
- Cover sharp edges.
- Erect a fireplace barrier.
- Avoid the use of bar heaters.
- Tape up, or cover, all plug points.
- Ensure large appliances and heavy furnishings are secured to the wall.
- Attach electrical cords to the skirting boards or tie them up when not in use.
Bathroom
- Store all medication out of reach or in a locked cabinet.
- Remove open razors and razor blades.
- Lock the toilet seat.
Bedroom
- Ensure windows are secure and tightly shut.
- Remove blinds with cords.
- Add a stopper to the door.
Kitchen
- Store sharp utensils and small appliances out of reach.
- Install locking mechanisms on cabinets and cupboards.
- Unplug appliances and secure electrical cords.
- Keep shelves and surfaces clear.
Outdoors
- Invest in a pool cover or fence.
- Fence in the property and keep gates locked.
- Remove toxic or prickly plants from the garden.
- Enclose the deck or patio.
- Store chemicals and gardening tools in a lockable tool shed.
- Keep pets in a separate area of the garden.
- Remove heavy objects.
- Fill in or fence off fish ponds.
How Chelsea Cleaning can help with baby-proofing in Cape Town
At Chelsea Cleaning, we don’t offer child-proofing services or specialist advice – but we do assist with professional deep cleaning of mattresses (including baby mattresses), carpets, curtains and upholstery.