As soon as children learn to crawl, they become curious about the world and enthusiastic about exploring every part of it. While this is adorable to watch, it can also create dangers—especially when your child discovers the outlets and plugs in your home. Fortunately, electricians know tried-and-true strategies for keeping little ones safe. Here are a few to keep in mind.

How to Babyproof Your Residence

1. Make Sure You Have Tamper-Free Outlets

Children often stick objects into electrical sockets. That’s why the national electrical code now requires electricians to install tamper-free outlets. These have a plastic mechanism that prevents anything from getting stuck inside unless both prongs are pushed at once. This regulation was introduced in 2015, so if your house is older than that, switch out old outlets for newer ones.

2. Hide Cords Behind Furniture

The best way to keep children from yanking out or tripping over power cords is to hide them behind furniture. This may require some rearranging of room layouts, but it’s worth it to make sure your child doesn’t cause any damage to the house or to themselves. If this isn’t possible, or if you have an especially persistent child who tends to crawl under furniture, use outlet covers. These come in a variety of styles, including sliding and spring-operated.

3. Seal Cables to the Floor

For particularly long cords that can’t be blocked off with furniture, seal them down so they can’t be grabbed or tripped over. Gaffer’s tape is effective and won’t damage carpets and flooring. Duct cord covers also help, especially in hallways and other areas with heavy foot traffic.

For electrical services in New York, including Manlius, Fayetteville, DeWitt, and Cazenovia, contact the team of electricians at Doug Mapstone. This company is owned by local businesswomen and provides everything from furnace repairs to AC installations. They have two decades of experience providing quality customer service, as evidenced by their reviews. Get an estimate today by visiting them online or calling (315) 682-7181.