Babyproofing: how to keep your child safe at home

Expert Advice – 11 Dec 24 By Sanchia Pegley

Topping furniture is one of the biggest risks!

Before your baby starts to move around is a good time to look at babyproofing your home. Toppling furniture is one of the biggest risks for our little ones once they start exploring.

Did you know? Toppling furniture has killed at least 28 people in Australia since 2000 and causes around 20 injuries per week. Children under 5 are most at risk – but there are easy ways for parents and carers to reduce the likelihood of it happening in their home.

Babyproofing your home is serious business that will provide peace of mind. Toppling furniture can result in:

broken or dislocated bones
head and brain injuries
crush injuries
suffocation
asphyxiation (loss of oxygen).

Here, we get expert advice from the ACCC on simple ways you can keep your child safe at home.

How to babyproof your home

One of the old school ways to check out risks to your child’s safety, is to get down on the floor, to their level, and see what they can see. Look at where they will soon be able to reach and what they will touch or possibly pull down upon themselves.

As well as heavier items of furniture falling and causing broken bones or crush injuries, there are many smaller hazards that may result in trapped fingers, burns and falls.

Chubby bare legs of toddler using open drawers like steps to climb up a piece of furniture — Think about locking/securing drawers that can be used as a ladder for inquisitive toddlers. *(Image: Getty)*

1. Position your furniture

For larger pieces of furniture in your home like a TV cabinet or shelving unit, choose an even surface so the item is stable. Rugs and softer floorings can make pieces of furniture unstable. Carpet and rugs against the wall can bunch up under a unit , for example, and make it wobbly, so check that this isn’t an issue.

2. Secure your furniture

Anchoring or securing furniture to the wall or floor is a reliable way to reduce the risk of furniture falling onto your little one as they explore the world they live in.

If your furniture doesn’t come with anchors, check out your local baby goods store or homeware shop where they’ll be able to guide you depending on the wall and/or flooring type.

Remember, this also applies to your little one’s nursery or play room. To prevent accidents ensure wardrobes and/or chests of drawers are properly secured.

If you’re renting, talk to your real estate agent about using anchors in the property. There are laws in place in WA, NSW and Victoria that support tenants’ right to secure furniture for safety reasons.

Preschool girl lying on her tummy looking at a TV sitting on top of a chest of drawers — Unsecured TVs are a hazard even for older kids. It’s safest if a TV is placed on a proper TV cabinet and/or anchored securely in place to reduce the risk of toppling. (Image: Getty)

3. Attach your TV

If you have a new TV, it will likely come with anchor straps so you can attach it to the wall or TV unit. If your TV is older and doesn’t have anchor straps, you can buy these from a baby goods or hardware store. Choose a spot for your TV that’s stable and low to the ground.

Do not put your TV on furniture that isn’t fit for purpose as it may increase the risk of an accident. For example, a TV on a small chest of drawers poses a risk as a pulled-out drawer can be used as a step to climb up or it might make the unit unstable and the TV more likely to topple over.

Wall mounting might also be an option, however you might need to get a tradesperson’s help.

4. Lock the cupboard doors

Consider locking wardrobes and cupboard doors in your child’s bedroom or anywhere they might spend time alone. This will prevent kids from using the drawers to climb up, getting trapped inside, as well as fingers getting squished. Locks for the fridge, toilets and kitchen cupboards may also reduce risks.