Creating a safe haven for curious kids

A bit of preparation can make your home baby-safe and reduce the stress of being a new parent.

Babies… they look so peaceful when they’re asleep, but as they grow, their curiosity means they start experimenting with everything around the house. It can get messy and, at times, even dangerous. As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our little ones are growing up in a safe environment within our homes.

It’s important to look around your home for potential dangers and take preventive measures to ensure your children’s safety. Focus on common trouble spots that every child seems drawn to: drawers, cupboards, table corners and electrical sockets. Once you’ve identified problems that need to be made safer, have a look at the Dreambaby range from Builders.

Mini Multi-Purpose Latches

These nifty latches work wonders on both cupboards and doors. Simply peel off the wax paper and attach them to the edge of drawers or cupboard doors. To open, gently pull off the strap from one of the discs while pressing against the cabinet.

Angle Locks

These locks are perfect for securing drawers. Stick them on the corners and they’ll prevent little hands from opening them. When you close the drawer, the latch locks automatically.

Safety Catches

These versatile catches work well on cabinets and drawers. The catch is mounted on the inside edge of the cupboard, while the hook is on the door. To open, slightly pull the door or drawer and press down on the hook. It automatically locks when you close the door.

A-Locks

Suitable for cabinet drawers, these locks are a breeze to use. Just press both buttons and hook them over the knobs or handles. To open, press both buttons and unclip it.

Cabinet Glide Locks

These locks are also for cabinets. Press both buttons to release the catch from the tracks, hook over the handles and press the top and bottom then insert both ends. To open, simply press both buttons and unclip it.

Corner cushions

Sharp corners, like those on coffee tables, can be a safety hazard. Fortunately, corner cushions are easy to install. Clean the surface, ensure it’s dry and peel off the backing of the sticker and then apply it.

Plug socket protectors

To keep little fingers away from electrical plug points, plug socket protectors are a must. Just insert them like regular plugs and use the key to remove them when needed. These are especially crucial for plugs at crawling height.

Security gates

A good idea is to install security gates, which are easy to install and adjustable to fit various doorways and hallways. They open in both directions, with a user-friendly lock designed for one-handed operation. For wider entrances, gate extensions are available.

Smart home camera

These might not be part of the Dreambaby range, but for added peace of mind, consider a smart home camera. With motion detection, enhanced night vision and WiFi connectivity, these are easy to set up and monitor remotely. You can even store footage on a micro-SD card or in the cloud. Two-way talk is a handy feature, making it a versatile choice for both baby monitoring and home security.

Pool safety

This isn’t in the home, but nevertheless, never compromise when it comes to pool safety. Make sure your pool area is fenced and that the gate has a child-proof locking mechanism. If necessary, add a second latch for extra security. If your pool isn’t fenced, seriously consider a pool net until your children can swim and understand pool safety.

Everything you need to make your home and garden as safe as possible is available from Builders, both in-store and online at builders.co.za.