Whether you’re a parent whose child is beginning to take its first steps, or you’re just going to look over a relative’s kid for a few days, it’s always a good idea to go around the house childproofing everything.

The good news is that childproofing is relatively simple. Just keep in mind that if you don’t own the place you’re renting, you’re likely not allowed to make any permanent changes to the living space. If you do own the house, you can go further with changes, and even get some loan with the help of our friends at 1st UK Money and other platforms like it to help pay for the changes.

The bad news right off the bat is that kids can injure themselves with nearly everything. Children are endlessly curious and full of energy, after all, and that makes them prone to accidents. Here’s how you can go about making sure those accidents don’t lead to serious injuries.

1 - Cover sharp corners

Children can generally handle falling on a flat surface pretty well. However, falls where the child hits something on their way down can be a lot more dangerous, especially when that something is sharp and pointy. Wooden chairs and low coffee tables can both be a potential danger in this scenario, depending on their design. There’s also the chance that the child might hit a corner on the wall or an exposed support column.

The solution is to simply pad all these surfaces. There are special foam pads you can use to childproof nearly every sharp corner in your home. And if those aren’t an option, covering the sharp angle with a fluffy towel can do the job in a pinch.

2 - Block access to electricity

Make sure all power outlets are covered and protected and keep power strips out of the reach of children. It takes a lot of effort for a child to successfully injure themselves while messing with a power outlet — they’d need a metallic object for starter — but it’s still better to be safe than sorry.

3 - Secure heavy furniture

Children are also prone to climbing on everything, which can be dangerous if they end up climbing something that can be tipped over by their weight. Potential risk candidates include bookshelves, TV stands, dressers, and more. Any furniture that will tip over if you give it a push should be secured in place, whether by strapping it to a wall or strapping it to a more stable piece of furniture.

4 - Get rid of slipping hazards

A slip and a tumble are two very different types of fall. A child that slips on a carpet, wet floor, or on a toy is much more likely to fall awkwardly and hurt one of their joints or even hit the floor face first. So make sure slipping hazards are all taken care of when your child is out and about, and make sure toys that can lead to slipping are put away when they aren’t being used.

5 - Choking hazards

Children like to put things in their mouths, and they are especially drawn to shiny and colorful objects. Therefore, it’s a good idea to do a few rounds around the house looking down and trying to spot objects that would cause trouble if a kid put them in their mouths. Crayons, candles, hard candy, artificial plants, decorative fruits, marbles, and various other objects can pose a risk to a small child.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you know how to help a child who is choking. Watch a video tutorial, it could help you save a life, be it soon or years from now.