Babyproofing your home: The 2023 parents’ checklist 

Babyproofing can feel like a never-ending chore. So, we’ve divided the main bits into a checklist to make your life easier.

Here’s how to babyproof your home just in time for bub! 

Explore Suncorp Home Insurance 

Be aware of heavy furniture

Many babies begin to pull themselves up onto furniture (and anything they can find, really) by the seventh month. So, it’s important to secure TVs, bookshelves, and other heavy furniture. Remember, things can happen in a split second, so always stay safe.

Opt for furniture anchors

Look for furniture anchors with small metal loops instead of the longer fabric variety – you’ll want something that will prevent large tipping angles.

Get down on your knees

It’s good to see your home from your baby’s point of view – literally.

Get down to their level and think about what they might be tempted to pull down. Take note of photo frames and small vases resting on cabinets that can cause injuries if they topple over. 

Watch out for sharp edges

Slap some corner guards on table edges and any other sharp corners. You can get them for cheap at most hardware and department stores.

Consider Suncorp Home Insurance

While you’re looking out for your baby, consider looking out for your home as well.

Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance covers your home and belongings in case of various insured events like burglaries, natural disasters and more. We also include new-for-old repair or replacement.*

When you’re sleep deprived and busy with your little human, it’s nice to have one less thing to worry about. 

Get a Home and Contents Insurance quote 

Don’t own a home? You can get coverage for just your possessions – including your furniture, appliances, and clothing – with renters insurance.

Check your water heater settings

Kids and infants under four are among the most at-risk for burns and scalds at home. Luckily, these injuries are largely preventable.

Make sure your hot water heater is set under 120 degrees, so your infant doesn’t get hurt if they fiddle with the taps.

It may also be a good idea to supervise infants in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Lock it up

Get some child locks to keep kids away from meds, cleaning products and other risky items. It only takes a moment for an infant to take a sip of your bleach or detergent, so it’s better to be cautious, even if you’re generally good at monitoring your kids.

That includes the toilet bowl

Most parents don’t think about the toilet when childproofing their home, but it’s an important thing to check off. Curious toddlers like to poke their heads in things, so an exposed toilet bowl is a hazard. Cover it up with a child safety toilet cover.

Get some doorknob covers

Doorknob covers are inexpensive and prevent toddlers from getting into potentially risky areas of the house, like the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, or basement. Their design blocks little hands, while still allowing adults to turn them.

You can even get stove knob covers, too!

Or use baby gates

They come in handy for blocking off stairways and any area of the house you don’t want the kids to access. You can also use them to create a makeshift playpen for when you need to run off to the loo.

Keep the crib safe

Keep objects out – yes, even crib bumpers

Your baby doesn’t need anything in their crib, not even blankets, pillows or plushies. These items pose a suffocation risk.

Crib bumpers may make a crib seem more cosy and comfy, but babies can get trapped if they come loose and tangle.

Remember, all your baby needs is a firm mattress.

Crib rail height

Once your baby is old enough to pull themselves up, you should lower the crib rails to an age-appropriate level. This is so they don’t launch themselves off from a dangerous height.

Cover electrical sockets

When your baby hits the 15-month age range, they might become tempted to stick things in power sockets. So, it’s best to get ahead of them by using tight-fitting electrical outlet covers that tiny hands can’t grip.

Guard windows

Window guards, otherwise known as window restrictors, are an important part of a babyproof home.

Secure windows so they can’t open more than four inches – now bub can explore safely.

Suncorp Home Insurance offers excess-free glass repairs

Broken glass can be costly and inconvenient to repair. So, you might want to consider adding our optional excess-free glass cover to your home insurance policy. You won’t need to pay an excess if your claim is only for broken fixed glass in your home. Our cover includes skylights, fixed mirrors, shower screens, windows and doors – as well as their frames, if we need to repair or replace them in the process.**

With Suncorp, you’ll have access to trusted glass repairers, so you’ll know your home will be safe for bub.

Swap to cordless blinds

Corded venetian blinds are a big no no – they pose a strangulation risk. Switch to the cordless variety for peace of mind.

Use the toilet roll test

If you’re unsure if something is a potential choking hazard, use the toilet roll test. If an item fits inside a toilet roll, it means it’s too small and needs to be packed safely out of reach.

Be aware of lesser-known choking hazards

Is your remote control missing its battery cover? You may need to keep it away from your baby, even if the batteries aren’t loose.

Your fridge and cutlery drawers are also full of sharp, potentially hazardous things, so make sure bub can’t pull them open.

Remove tablecloths

Tablecloths may look pretty, but babies can send dishes flying if they tug at the bits that trail below the table. Choose placemats instead.

Suncorp Home Insurance has your back

You can prep your home for bub’s arrival, but you can never truly prepare yourself for what life has in store.

Suncorp Home Insurance can help you navigate the unexpected. 

Get a Home Insurance quote 

Read more:

• How to design ideal spaces to suit your family's passions 
• A room of their own: Creating a private space for everyone in the family 
• How to create a teenage retreat your kids will love 

* We rebuild, replace or repair with new items or new materials that are reasonably and readily available at the time of  replacement or repair from Australian suppliers. Conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to the PDS for further details.

**Sinks, basins, glass that forms part of a fixed cooking or heating appliance are not covered. For a full list of exclusions, refer to the PDS for more information. 

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The TMD is also available.  is also available. Go to suncorp.com.au for a copy. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.