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As a new parent, it can be difficult to know how to childproof your home, and no one wants to risk their child getting hurt or injured. What we consider to be a safe home can be completely different for a child - and it's easy to overlook dangers in the home that can be easily avoided. Here we help you with tips and advice on how to childproof your home!

Using our list, you can go through your home step by step and easily add the products or changes you need to create a safe and childproof home for your family. When childproofing your home, some measures may seem obvious, such as installing a gate on the stairs. However, there are many smaller hazards in a home that we automatically don't think about, as they don't pose a direct risk to us as adults. There are a variety of hazards for children of all ages that we don't think about! So, to prevent accidents, it is best to childproof your home as early as possible.

Whatever room you're in, it's important to keep the floors clean of small items. A toddler exploring is likely to put things in his mouth and things like buttons, batteries or Lego pieces can easily get stuck in his throat. Many places in the home also have sharp edges and corners that children can easily run into and bump into. These dangers can be easily avoided by using special edge protectors.

Where to start if I want to childproof my home?

It can be hard to keep track of everything that needs to be fixed. But don't worry - we've put together a list of things to consider when childproofing your home! In this video you can see childproofer home step by step.

Childproofing the kitchen

* Use spatula guards and remember to always turn the handles of pots and pans inwards when cooking.
* Check that the oven door has a working latch and use oven protection if the door gets hotter than 60 degrees.
* Use a timer for your stove so that it turns off automatically if you forget to turn it on.

Child-resistant items

* Keep knives, scissors and other sharp objects in cabinets or drawers that children can't reach, or put child locks on drawers.
* Be aware that many dishwasher detergents and cleaners contain toxic chemicals - store them up high out of reach of children!
* Unplug electrical appliances when not in use or use timers. Also, be careful not to have loose cords so that appliances can be pulled down.
* Avoid hanging tablecloths on the dining table that children can pull down if you have heavy objects on the table that can fall over the child.

Childproofing the bathroom

* Remove the stopper from the tub when not in use.
* Put anti-slip pads in showers and baths.
* Keep sharp objects such as nail scissors and tweezers out of reach of children.
* Medications should be stored in a medicine cabinet inaccessible to children (preferably in a locked cabinet)
* Hazardous cleaning products should not be available in bathrooms or rooms where children are present.

Childproofing the living room

* Anchor and tip-proof cabinets, bookshelves, televisions and other furniture that can tip over.
* Remove heavy and fragile objects from tables and furniture that children can reach.
* Make sure you don't have poisonous houseplants or flowers at home.

Childproof stairs

* Set up a gate with a latch to the stairs.

Childproof windows

* Avoid low-hanging curtains that children can cling to.
* Check that you don't have blind cords hanging in a way that children can get them around their necks. Avoid loops and long cords for blinds, awnings and curtains to avoid the risk of strangulation.

Childproofing the balcony

* Check that the balcony railing is high enough and has no more than 10 cm between the bars.
* Use latches for balcony and patio doors, and windows, so that they can be fixed in the airing position. This prevents the risk of both falling and crushing injuries.

What to consider: Electrical safety

* Make all electrical outlets and cord boxes fuse-proof. There are inserts to put in free sockets.
* Check that the insulation of the wires is not damaged.
* Avoid long or loose cords.

Things to consider: Lamps

* Be aware that some light bulbs can get very hot. Make sure that children cannot reach the bulb.
* Bed and changing table
* Unfortunately, falls are a very common cause of injury for babies. A large number of children are injured every year when they fall from changing tables. Remember to always keep young children under supervision, especially when they are on a changing table or at a height where there is a risk of falling. It is a good idea to skip a high changing table and only change diapers with a changing mat on the floor.

Child insurance - in the unlikely event of an accident

We cannot protect children from everything, but we can do our best to give them the safe environment they deserve. And no matter how carefully we prepare, accidents can always happen. That's why it's so important that your child is properly insured. With Länsförsäkringar's Child insurance your child will be covered for both accidental injuries and illnesses.

Did you know that...
Every year, more than 60 000 children are injured so seriously in or around the home that they need emergency medical care. Of these, almost 4 000 are under one year old, with falls from changing tables, sofas or beds being among the most common injuries.

Expecting a baby? Check out Länsförsäkringar's Pregnancy insurance to protect both you and your baby during pregnancy!