It doesn’t take long for babies to learn to crawl, which means your little one will soon be eager to explore every nook and cranny of the house. Childproofing potentially dangerous appliances and fixtures will keep them safe on their adventures and reduce the need for electrical and plumbing repairs. Here are some ideas for areas to alter.

How to Babyproof Your Home

1. Cover Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets are often low to the ground, putting them within reach of your crawling infant or teetering toddler. Babies can stick little fingers or toys inside the sockets, introducing the potential for shock. Objects lodged into outlets are also fire hazards and can short-circuit the system, requiring electrical repairs to remedy. To keep your child and everyone else safe, put faceplates on electrical switches and sockets. The devices keep the fixtures covered when not in use.

2. Move Furniture to Restrict Access to Vents

HVAC vents and registers also sit close to the ground. Grates can pinch fingers, and hot air can hurt tender skin, so put obstacles in your youngster’s path. Place heavy furniture close enough to walls with vents so that little bodies can’t squeeze through.

3. Put Latches on Appliances & Plumbing Fixtures

Turning knobs and opening and closing lids can entertain young kids for hours. Tampering with appliance latches can be dangerous, however, so put childproof covers on stove and oven knobs. In the bathroom, put a lock on the toilet lid. This prevents your baby from accidentally toppling in or sticking toys in the bowl and causing clogs a plumbing repair technician would have to dislodge.

If you do need electrical work or plumbing repairs as a result of your little one’s curiosity, contact the team at H & N Plumbing, Heating & Electrical in Fennimore, WI, for help. The licensed plumbers, residential electricians, and HVAC contractors have been providing services to make clients’ homes safer and more efficient since 1958. Call (888) 822-3258 to schedule plumbing repairs or additional work, or request a quote online.