Baby-proofing furniture in your home should be done thoroughly and carefully, but as a new parent, we know you have a million and one things running through your mind!
Baby-proofing furniture in your home should be done thoroughly and carefully, but as a new parent, we know you have a million and one things running through your mind!
When it comes to baby-proofing, there will be things you've never even considered before that could pose a risk to your baby's safety as they begin to explore. Even the smallest things, such as where you put your TV remote, can become a potential hazard.
To help you navigate this new territory, we’ve put together a guide on how to baby-proof furniture in your home, giving you peace of mind that your little one is safe and secure.
Key Takeaways:
Most parents will start baby-proofing their house once their little one reaches the age of 6 months, as this is when little ones start to become more mobile.
While they might not start walking until they’re around 12 months old, crawling and rolling will most certainly lead them to explore their surroundings, including furniture.
However, it’s important to remember that every child is different and may develop at different rates. Some babies may start crawling earlier than 6 or 7 months, while others may not start until later.
It’s always better to be prepared and have your home baby-proofed before your little one starts moving around on their own.
Baby-proofing furniture will start with taking note of all the pieces of furniture in your home (you probably wouldn’t have even realised just how much stuff you had in your home until now!).
We recommend you go room-by-room so that you don’t miss anything, and you can work in a more structured way rather than frantically running around trying to cover everything at once.
Start by taking a look at the furniture in your living room. Sofas, chairs, coffee tables, and TV stands are all potential hazards for a crawling baby.
As for how to baby-proof these different bits of furniture, our tips are below…
Softening the corners and edges of counters and other furniture at head height is essential for ensuring your little one's safety.
You can buy specially designed corner and edge covers, or simply use some foam padding and tape to cover any sharp areas.
Another option is to invest in furniture with rounded edges. This not only helps with baby-proofing but can also add a softer look to the room, which is great if you’re going for a modern or homely feel.
Babies and toddlers, with their natural curiosity and developing coordination, often struggle to avoid sharp corners and edges. By adding protective padding to these areas, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries such as cuts, bruises, or even more serious head injuries.
Anchoring heavy or tall pieces of furniture is vital because it prevents them from tipping over if your curious little one climbs or pulls on them.
Young children, often exploring their environment, might use furniture for support or play, risking dangerous accidents.
Securely anchoring these items ensures they remain stable, thereby protecting your child from potential injuries and giving you the reassurance that your home is as safe as possible.
Many pieces of baby furniture come with the relevant fixtures and fittings to anchor it to your wall.
Installing childproof locks on cupboards is crucial to prevent young children from accessing potentially hazardous items such as chemicals, sharp objects, or small parts that could pose choking hazards.
These locks create a secure space for your child to explore and learn safely, fostering their natural curiosity without exposing them to danger.
Knowing that your home environment is protected allows you to focus on enjoying precious moments with your little ones while they discover the world around them.
A Guide to Childproofing Drawers: How to Do it & Why It's Important
As parents, it's easy to assume that your baby's nursery is naturally the safest room in the house for your growing toddler because all the furniture is made for them – but that isn't necessarily the case.
Nursery furniture is still furniture and needs securing in the same way as any other large or sharp items.
Anchoring dressers and changing tables is essential to prevent them from tipping over if your baby decides to climb or pull on them.
These pieces of furniture can be surprisingly unstable, posing a significant risk to your little one. To anchor them, use furniture straps or brackets, securing the top of the dresser or changing table to the wall.
Ensure the anchors are firmly attached to wall studs for maximum stability. This precaution creates a safer environment for your baby, giving you peace of mind as they explore their nursery.
We also recommend making the floor as comfortable as possible once your baby starts to become more mobile.
Using rugs or sheepskins can create a cosy, safe environment that protects their hands and knees.
Check out our Merino sheepskin rug or our range of baby playmats to make your nursery floor comfortable and safe!
Choosing a suitable bed is crucial when baby-proofing your child's nursery because it ensures their comfort and safety during sleep and when it’s playtime.
Opt for a bed with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to prevent bumps and bruises when your child wakes up or when they're playing outside of their bed.
Ensure the mattress fits snugly to eliminate gaps that could pose a risk of entrapment, especially when your baby is younger.
Moses baskets are ideal for the first 6 months. They make it easier to lift your baby in and out without strain or risk of accidents, and they're naturally free from sharp edges and harmful materials.
The living room is likely to be a room where your toddler spends a significant amount of time as they socialise with the whole family. However, the furniture in this room poses quite a few risks.
The following are some specific tips for baby-proofing living room furniture:
Securing your TV with TV straps is a crucial part of baby-proofing your furniture, especially for large flat-screen models that can easily tip if pulled by curious little hands.
These TVs have a high centre of gravity, making them more prone to tipping over from accidental knocks and low levels of force. By using specific TV straps to anchor the TV to the wall or to the heavy TV unit it's standing on, you can prevent dangerous tip-over accidents.
This will ensure your toddler's safety and offer you reassurance that your living space is secure for your little one to explore.
If you have a TV unit that has glass door panels, it's important to make sure they're securely fitted to prevent significant accidents.
Because TV units are generally heavy and have a low centre of gravity, they're easy to overlook when baby-proofing, but they can still pose a risk to your baby.
Loose or poorly fitted glass can be a significant hazard, as sharp edges may be exposed, or it could shatter if your child pushes or pulls on it.
By installing safety glass or applying childproofing film to the glass, you can add an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of injury and making your living room a safer space for your child.
Alternatively, you could opt to switch our your glass cabinets for solid wood ones with soft edges, which will be a lot more durable and safe.
We also recommend closely supervising your child around glass furniture and teaching them to be careful so they can learn as they grow.
When it comes to anchoring furniture to your walls, there are a few common pieces of equipment you can use. The main types of furniture anchoring include L brackets and furniture straps.
As we mentioned above, many types of furniture (especially flat-pack furniture) come with fixtures for anchoring. While these are often fit for purpose, you might want to consider whether other anchor options would be more effective and sturdy.
Here's a handy comparison table to help you understand the difference between these types of anchors and make an informed decision.
| Feature | Furniture Straps | L Brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Strap with brackets on each end | Metal L-shaped bracket |
| Strength | Varies, some strong enough for heavy furniture | Strongest option, ideal for heavy furniture |
| Flexibility | Allows for some movement of the furniture | No movement allowed |
| Installation | Requires screwing brackets into furniture and wall | Requires screwing brackets into furniture and wall |
| Drilling Required | Yes | Yes |
| Visibility | More visible due to the strap | Less visible |
| Cost | Generally inexpensive | Inexpensive |
| Best Use | Lightweight furniture, TVs, where some movement is desired | Heavy furniture (dressers, bookcases) |
| Drawbacks | May not be as strong for very heavy furniture | Less forgiving with furniture placement |
Creating a safe environment for your baby as they become more mobile and inquisitive is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind.
A secure home reduces the risk of accidents, allowing your child to explore and learn without unnecessary danger. It also lets you relax, knowing that you've taken preventative steps to safeguard your little one.
Baby-proofing your home not only keeps your child safe from injury but also creates a nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive confidently.
For more information and advice about baby-proofing your home for your new arrival, take a look at our Infant Home Safety Checklist.
The best way to baby-proof furniture is to anchor heavy items, soften sharp corners and edges, and install childproof locks on cupboards.
These measures prevent tip-over accidents, reduce injury risks, and keep hazardous items out of reach, ensuring a safe and secure environment for your child.
You should start baby-proofing your home when your baby begins to crawl, typically around 6 to 10 months of age. This proactive approach ensures your home is safe and secure as your child's mobility and curiosity increase.
To baby-proof drawers, use childproof locks or latches designed specifically for drawers. These devices prevent children from opening them, reducing the risk of injury from heavy or sharp objects and minimising the chance of pinched fingers. They are easy to install and provide an effective safety barrier.
To baby-proof a doorway, use baby gates to block access. Choose sturdy gates that are pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted for added security.
These gates prevent children from entering potentially hazardous areas, ensuring their safety while allowing you to keep certain spaces child-free.
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