The time will come when your baby is able to move under their own steam. Learning to crawl and explore is a great moment for your little one as the world suddenly becomes a much bigger place. However, when your baby starts to crawl, you need to be extra vigilant of the potential hazards around the home.

Tips and products for when baby starts to crawl

With your baby’s new found mobility, there’s a wealth of new experiences to be discovered and enjoyed. However, a crawling baby can quickly find themselves in situations that may prove harmful so it’s important for parents to make sure the house is safe.

Take a look around your home and pay special attention to the areas where your baby is likely to crawl to. The living room is where your infant is likely to spend most of their time crawling so look for anything that is likely to cause injury.

Most hazards will be at floor level so look for items such as CD/DVD racks which can be easily pulled over. Another risk is the waste-basket. This can be easily tipped over and may contain dangerous items that your baby will pick up and put in their mouth.

If you have a hearth around your fire, the edges can be hard and sharp so fit some protective cushioning to prevent any head injuries. The same can be said for coffee tables which will have sharp corners.

Prince Lionheart Hearth cushion

Prince Lionheart Table edge Guard

Any electrical sockets should be covered with safety caps to prevent your baby from inserting objects into the points and suffering an electric shock. Also look for any lamps with power cords that are overly long and fit a cable tidy. A long cord can be pulled by a crawling baby which may cause the lamp to fall on top of them.

BabyDan Twisting Plug Socket Cover

Clippasafe Cable Shortener

Pay attention to the curtains and blinds in your home. If they are fitted with drawcords that are too long, your crawling baby could easily grab hold of them. Fit shortening devices to prevent any unwanted injuries.

Clippasafe Drawcord Shortener

Check the rooms for free-standing cupboards and cabinets and fit furniture straps to prevent furniture from being pulled over. Also install furniture locks to any cupboards in the home to stop the doors from being opened. A cupboard can contain dangerous items and the door can cause trapped fingers.

Clippasafe Multi Purpose Latch

Crawling babies are intrigued by the staircase but this is an extremely dangerous place for an infant. Install baby stair gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and bannister guards. Always keep the gates locked.

BabyDan Pressure Indicator Gate

KidCo Bannister Guard

Try to keep floor surfaces clean at all times and make sure choking hazards are removed immediately. Above all, never leave your child unattended while they are crawling around.

Creating a safe environment for your baby will give you peace of mind but still allow your child to fulfil their natural urge to move and explore which is an important part of their development.