Your home security system is designed to keep you and your family safe from intruders and other dangers, especially when you’re most vulnerable while you’re sleeping. But if you have young children or babies in your family, then you’ll know how easy it is for them to get themselves in a dangerous situation, even when you only turn your back for a second.

This is especially true if you have an infant who is just learning to crawl or walk and is curious about everything around them. If you’re expecting a baby or are already a parent to infants, then here are some tips to help you babyproof your home and make it a safe place for everyone.

Install child locks

Child locks can help keep young children out of any cabinet or drawer that they shouldn’t be allowed in. These are necessary for places where you store cleaning products, medication, or sharp implements. You can also install child locks to keep toilet lids closed to prevent them from climbing or falling in.

Soften corners

When infants first start to walk, a lot of furniture is going to be at the same height as their head. For anything with sharp corners or edges, such as coffee tables, it’s a good idea to place guards on them so that your child won’t injure its head if it walks into them.

Protect electrical outlets

Sticking wet fingers or a metal object into an electrical outlet could cause electrocution. You can help to prevent this by placing outlet covers over all sockets. Upgrading to ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) can also help to reduce the risk of electric shocks.

Block the stairs

You should place a safety gate at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent them from falling down the stairs and injuring themselves. These typically affix to the doorway, wall, or banister around the stairs and feature a safety latch that young children can’t reach or operate.

Get rid of looped cords

Blinds and drapes that are controlled using looped cords are rarely manufactured and sold anymore. This is because they are a serious strangulation risk to babies and young children. Consider replacing your blinds if yours have looped cords. Even with non-looped cords, you should do your best to keep them out of the child’s reach, this includes not placing climbable furniture next to windowsills.

As well as the regular childproofing tasks like those listed above, make sure your home security system includes smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to keep you and your family safe. Even a small amount of smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation can be dangerous for babies and small children. Get in touch with Carolina Alarm if you need these or any other security equipment for your North Carolina home.