Babyproofing - what do I need?

[Dalesgirl16]

Other than a stair gate? Please can I have some tips about what I need to get?

How old is the baby?

Socket covers

Window safety catches/locks for upstairs windows.

Socket covers are not recommended because they 'activate' the socket, making electrocution risk higher than leaving them as they are.

I have baby gates on several of my downstairs doors so that I know exactly where baby is. They also allow me to keep dogs and baby completely seperate at all times.

Just be aware of the possible risks of sharp edges below waist height and also heavier items stored high up. Could a baby pull something down on top of him?

Forgive me. As an American, I always used them. Our sockets aren't as safe as UK ones. But I see they aren't advised anymore.

Window safety locks are probably the main thing I would advise and the stair gate, which you already know.

I'd probably look at some good sites on the Internet OP.

Locks on cupboards contains cleaning products etc so baby/toddler can't access.

Consider furniture/accessories that the DC could pull over i.e. Cupboards, bookshelves or coat stands

Oven locks! Have found them very useful just in case she gets in the kitchen and I'm not in there for any reason!

We've ended up getting socket covers they are still sold by our health centre can't bring myself to leave them uncovered

Seriously, in the UK you are creating a hazard by using socket covers. They are more dangerous than leaving them off. I cannot understand why you would use them.

Socket covers are dangerous. Please don't use them.

We have stair gates, a foam strip around the edge of the TV stand as it's near where he plays, locks on the bleach cupboard and glasses cabinet (the magnetic ones are great), tether straps on the TV (very easy for toddlers to pull flat screen TVs over on to them).

We still need to fix his chest of drawers to the wall before he's able to escape the cot!

We've got one room well babyproofed with a stair gate on the door so there's somewhere safe to leave him if I'm cooking/in the loo etc and everywhere else we've tried to limit opportunities to get hold of stuff that would seriously damage him but allow exploring still.

Fridge and cupboard locks especially for cupboards that have washing detergent in. Found these a god send. You can get really handy baby proofing packs

Make sure your blind cords are safe.

Check for any other looped dangling things.

We're going to need fireguards.

Check that furniture can't topple over if it is climbed on- secure to wall etc

Thank you so much. My baby is just turned nine months? She is not quite crawling but getting around and is pulling herself up to standing - she has started to hurt her herself and I think she will be crawling v soon. My husband lowered the cots today thankfully!

Safety socket covers are dangerous.
I posted this elsewhere but it does not get enough coverage

As some of you may know I carry out electrical safety checks as part of my business and there is a campaign in the electrical industry to make people aware of the dangers of these so called safety devices which put children at risk.

I have contacted several well known brands and received responses.

The site www.fatallyflawed.org.uk/ has details on this.

The NHS in England, Wales and Scotland issued a directive instructing these to be removed from use in all NHS premises as well as doctors and GP surgeries.

www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=102494

The socket manufacturers association (BEMA) also advise these should not be used www.beama.org.uk/resourceLibrary/beama-position-paper-on-socket-outlet-covers.html

I note you have MK sockets in your centre-you should be advised that MK support the BEMA guidance and are of the opinion that these socket covers should not be used on their sockets – Hager (another quality manufacturer) state the same.

IKEA have removed them from sale as they deem them unsafe.

So far I have contacted the following businesses:
Maplin- they have a low stock and will not be reordering them in - so partial good result (although they could take the less than 60 they have left all over the UK and bin them)

B&Q -
Standard holding response- no action
Thank you for your email dated 12.08.17, please accept our apologies for the delay in my response.

We appreciate the information you have given us in relation to our product 03621325. Your comments and feedback will be took on board, logged and passed over to our Quality department where they can investigate further into this.

B&Q always welcome feedback from our customers regarding any of our products or services and we are very grateful that you have taken the time and trouble to bring this matter to our attention.

Thank you for contacting B&Q.

If I can be of any further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mothercare- reply effectively brushing off the concern

Please see the below response I have received from our buying team:

It is understandable that the NHS would ban the covers as they have a lot of sockets that are not always in view of staff who have other matters to attend to. Our covers are designed for in house use where the parent would almost always be present. Since we started selling the covers and to date there have been no complaints of injuries etc that you would expect if the product was in fact ‘unsafe’. Whilst Mr McLintock may feel the product is unsafe there is no data to back this up. Safety is of paramount importance to Mothercare and we would not knowingly sell any product we knew to be unsafe. We will continue to monitor returns/reviews on this item going forward.

Please also see the response from our supplier:
Our UK Plug Socket Covers are designed to solely PREVENT a small child inserting sharp or small objects into a plug socket / electrical outlet. They are designed to cover the socket, hiding the socket to REDUCE any temptation for a child to play or investigate or insert any objects into the electrical outlet. They aesthetically hide the holes of the outlet and provide peace of mind to parents.

The worst response was Tesco- the guy called (his name was Keir D...) to read a statement and said he would not have any conversation other than the pre-prepared statement.

Hello ...

As discussed on the phone this is our reply to the issue you raised.

“Thank you for your concern, I’m sorry for the delay in responding, I wanted to make sure we looked into this properly for you as we take child safety very seriously. Our range of socket covers, both from Tesco and our online Partners, are designed to give the option of this feature for those who may wish to use them. All covers sold by Tesco are from recognized brands who take pride in ensuring their products are manufactured to a high standard of quality and safety.”

Thanks

Tesco Customer Service

The Tesco one was basically the worse. No response to the actual concerns raised- I asked him if the socket covers were safe which British standard they met, he refused to have any more conversation and that was that

I am quite disappointed in Tesco as I thought they were better than this.

The foam door stops that go on the tops of doors so fingers can't get trapped. We found these really good and still use them now four years on.

Agree re: socket covers - my dad is an electrician and has visited houses where they've caused fires. Apparently, as they keep the socket 'open' liquids can leak in. It also makes it easier for children to get electrocuted, as mentioned above.

We bought a playpen yesterday Its brilliant so far!