When you have a child, you and your little one will go through several vastly different stages. Of course, there’s the initial infant stage, which involves many sleepless nights, cooing, and worrying about whether you’re doing the right thing. Next comes the toddler phase, which brings a whole new set of challenges (and, of course, a lot of fun!).

Your toddler has new abilities and will likely be constantly finding new ways to access no-go areas or open drawers they definitely shouldn’t. It can quickly become a safety concern. As a parent or guardian, it’s your job to create a safer environment, and here are 4 ways to do that.

1. Install Fences and Railings Where Necessary

A big part of keeping your home safe is making sure your toddler cannot access areas you don’t want them to, whether that’s an unsupervised garden or the stairs. To do this, you need the right fences and railings. For outdoor fences, consider glass fence contractors, as they install fences that don’t obstruct views but are still strong and durable enough to keep your little one in the right place. The glass stays completely see-through, so you can enjoy a beautiful view of your garden or pool, while the material itself is extremely resilient. It’s the perfect compromise between safety and aesthetics.

Don’t forget about fences and railings around staircases and balconies, too. For the stairs, safety gates are a great purchase when you have toddlers.

2. Say Goodbye to All Sharp Edges

You will likely know by now that toddlers move faster than you might initially expect. They are exploring the world, after all, and that often means crawling or toddling around the home, potentially heading towards sharp edges without a care in the world. Your job here is to ensure all sharp edges are rounded off. You can purchase soft commercial guards for this, then add them to your:

  • Coffee tables
  • Fireplace hearths
  • Counter edges

Walk through your entire home and note any edges that concern you.

3. Get Used to Safety Locks

Every household has items that toddlers definitely shouldn’t get their small hands on. For example, kitchen knives, medications, cleaning items, and razors. While it’s good practice to keep these items out of reach, remember that toddlers will eventually learn to climb, so safety locks add another layer of protection. Put them on any drawers or cabinets that contain items you want your toddler to stay far away from.

4. Tie Up All Cords and Wires

Cords (such as on your blinds/curtains) and wires are a serious safety concern for small children. While you likely cannot get rid of them altogether, you can keep them out of toddler reach. Start by tying up all the cords in your house, and then move on to the wires – you can invest in wire organizers that will reduce safety risks.

These four simple steps will have you on your way to a toddler-safe home. Of course, as a parent, you’ll still need to be on alert. By making these small changes, though, you will gain extra peace of mind that your toddler can enjoy a safe and fun childhood.