Children are naturally curious, but also vulnerable to various domestic risks and accidents. That’s why it’s essential to take preventive measures to ensure their well-being and safety.



In this article, we share practical advice and recommendations to make your home a safer place for little ones. We cover the main hazards in each room — the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and garden.



Kitchen



The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms for babies and children, with risks such as burns, cuts, poisoning, electric shocks, and choking.

Follow these tips to keep your child safe:



Turn pot handles inward and use the back burners whenever possible.

Use stove and socket protectors.

Keep knives, sharp objects, and plastic bags out of children’s reach.

Store cleaning products, medicines, alcohol, and food safely in locked cabinets.

Never leave children unattended while cooking or washing dishes.

Avoid holding your baby while handling hot food or liquids.

Install a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.



Living Room



Children often spend a lot of time playing in the living room, but falls and collisions can happen easily.



Use non-slip rugs and stair treads.

Place corner and edge protectors on furniture, tables, and shelves.

Secure heavy or unstable furniture to the wall.

Install window and balcony safety guards.

Add door stoppers to prevent finger injuries.

Keep small objects, coins, batteries, and loose toy parts in closed boxes.

Keep electrical cords and curtain strings out of reach.

Avoid poisonous plants or fragile decorative objects.



Bedroom



The bedroom should be a calm and safe space for rest.



Choose a crib that complies with safety standards — bars spaced between 4.5–6 cm, with no broken or loose parts.

Use a firm mattress that fits snugly without gaps.

Keep the crib away from windows, heaters, and electrical sockets.

Dress your baby in a sleeping bag or suitable pyjamas for the room’s temperature.

Use a baby monitor to keep an eye on your child remotely.

Never smoke in the baby’s room.



Bathroom



Bathrooms present risks such as drowning, falls, burns, and poisoning.



Never leave water in the bathtub — a baby can drown in just 2.5 cm.

Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.

Check water temperature before bathing your baby (36–37°C).

Use non-slip mats inside and outside the bath.

Use tap and drain protectors.

Store cosmetics, hygiene products, and electrical items in closed cabinets.



Garden



The garden allows children to play outdoors but also has risks like bites, allergies, and poisoning.



Keep the garden tidy and free from sharp tools or debris.

Check for insects, snakes, or other animals — keep children away and call a professional if necessary.

Avoid pesticides and chemical fertilisers.

Don’t plant toxic or thorny plants.

Fence or net the pool area, and always supervise swimming.

Choose age-appropriate toys like swings or slides and check their condition regularly.



Child Safety Products at bybebé



At bybebé, you can find a wide range of child safety products to make your home safer:



Socket covers

Multi-purpose locks

Corner protectors

Door stoppers

Baby monitors

Bath thermometers

Safety gates and barriers

Bed rail guards

Cleaning and disinfection products

Shop online at bybebe.pt or visit our physical store in Eiras (Coimbra).

Child safety at home is a shared responsibility. With simple preventive measures, you can protect your child from domestic accidents and ensure their well-being.



References

APSI. (2022). 30 Years of Child Safety in Portugal – Evaluation Report.

Domestic Accidents: Learn How to Prevent Them. CUF Hospitals and Clinics.