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How to childproof your home

A person attaching a childproof lock to a microwave oven

Overview

Small children sometimes get into places they shouldn’t. This can lead to them breaking things, or worse, hurting themselves. But there are some very simple and inexpensive things you can do to childproof your home and keep your kids safe.

Steps

1Attach corner protectors

Once small children learn to walk, they're soon running around the house, where benches and tables are at head height. Foam corner protectors can be easily attached to tables and benches to soften the blow of running into a sharp corner.
A person fitting a corner protector to a timber bench

2Power point protectors

Small children and power points can be a deadly mix. The easiest way to stop little fingers or other objects from being pushed into unused power points is to put power point protectors into them. They're too hard for small hands to remove but a handy key makes it easy for adults.
A person inserting a power point protector into a power point

3Install child security gates

Child security gates are a great way of making sure small children can't go where you don't want them. They're ideal for the top or the bottom of the stairs or on doors and walls, to make sure kids can't leave or go into a room that they shouldn't. They're easy to install and come in a variety of colours to suit your décor.
A person fitting a child security gate

4TV safety straps

Young kids have a habit of pulling on things they're fascinated by, especially televisions. To stop yours toppling over, install a flat screen TV saver. Two straps are easily attached to the back of your TV, and the other end of the straps are secured to something solid, either the cabinet or the wall. Follow the instructions on the pack and make sure that you tighten the adjustable straps until they're taut.
A person attaching safety straps to the back of a television

5Appliance and cupboard locks

Young curious minds and prying hands often want to open things. Thankfully there's a range of locks to stop them doing so. There are microwave and oven locks, fridge locks and locks to keep youngsters out of your cupboards and cabinets. They're all easy to install and easy to operate, so the grown-ups in the house can still easily open doors when needed.
A person attaching a childproof lock to a microwave oven
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.