Child safety guide: child safety devices for your home

Sharp edges, hazardous corners, trapped fingers, sockets and risk of falling: childproofing your home is easier said than done. We want to help you make your home (more) childproof. From window latches and corner bumpers to child safety devices on stoves and stairs, here are our tips for better childproofing in your home.

A beech SNIGLAR cot in the children’s room

Which child safety devices do I need for doors?

Doors must be secure. With the PATRULL door stop, the door stays open as much as it needs to. Would you like to read our tips on door security? You’ll find them below.

Simply indispensable: child safety devices for doors

Doors are often heavy and can pose a serious risk to children. This is why a child safety device for doors is essential. Our PATRULL door stop, for example, ensures the door remains open, which prevents fingers from becoming trapped. Conversely, a safety gate is designed to prevent access by children while still ensuring the door remains open. It is the ideal child safety device for balcony and patio doors if you don’t want to compromise on safety but still wish to enjoy the fresh air.

View the PATRULL series

A multicoloured UNDERHÅLLA 40-piece wooden building block set

What kind of child safety device is available for plug sockets?

It is an unfortunate fact that young children are drawn to plug sockets. However, suitable devices such as the PATRULL safety plug are designed to protect the socket and minimise the risk of children putting their fingers or objects into the slots. Want to find out more about how to childproof plug sockets? Read on.

The PATRULL safety plug fits into grounded and ungrounded sockets and is easy to remove when you no longer need it. You can also hide plug sockets behind immovable furniture to prevent children from reaching them. Extension leads and power strips should always be placed and stored out of reach of children. It is also important to keep in mind that children like to pull on cables. This is why it is good to be smart and conceal cables, such as with cable trunking.

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View cable management

Which child safety device is suitable for cabinets and drawers?

Drawers and cabinet doors can also pose a hazard to children’s hands. You can use a suitable solution such as an UNDVIKA multi-latch to secure cabinets and drawers in no time at all. It is easy to install, inexpensive and suitable wherever fingers could become caught. They can be used to secure fridges and dishwashers, too. This is an excellent way to make any drawer or cabinet door childproof.

The UNDVIKA multi-latch can be affixed to most surfaces (but be aware it can leave marks on the surface when you remove it) or screwed into place. The latter is recommended in particular for uneven surfaces. Once installed, the multi-latch protects your chests of drawers and cabinets from prying children’s hands – and it keeps curious fingers safe from doors and drawers that can close quickly. In addition to the multi-latch on cabinets and chests of drawers, it is recommended to anchor storage units to walls to prevent them from tipping over. Another tip: Even if you do install a child safety device, always try to fill your storage units in a way that ensures nothing dangerous can fall out or is within reach if opened accidentally.

What kind of child safety devices are available for the kitchen?

Child safety in the kitchen is one of the most important issues for concerned parents. You can childproof cabinets, dishwashers and other units and appliances with our UNDVIKA multi-latch. Use a stove protector or knob cover to make your stove safe, and take the additional step of teaching your child about the dangers presented by these appliances at an early age.

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View child safety

No substitute: child safety devices for your stove

Your stove is by far the main source of danger in the kitchen. Children can burn themselves, grab hot pots and pans off the hobs or accidentally switch the hobs on – which could cause a fire. What can you do to make your stove safer? A stove guard or screen can help to keep children’s hands away from pot and pan handles and hot hobs. You can also install a knob cover to prevent curious hands from accidentally switching on the hobs. Even so, communication is the most effective method of protection you have. It’s best to explain to your child early on why stoves are dangerous and why they shouldn’t play with them.

Don’t overlook it: child safety devices for fridges and dishwashers

The UNDVIKA multi-latch is designed to help you keep your fridge and dishwasher childproof alongside your cabinets and chests of drawers. The multi-latch is simple to install and impenetrable to children’s hands. Why is it so important to childproof fridges and dishwashers? Alcoholic beverages are often stored in the fridge, and items can fall onto a child if they try to take something out of it (this is why it is recommended to always fill your fridge in a way that prevents anything from being able to fall out). As for dishwashers, they often contain cutlery with sharp surfaces or pointed edges. What’s more, some of the chemicals contained within can pose a risk to health. The multi-latch ensures there is no chance of little fingers becoming trapped.

UNDVIKA multi-latch

Which child safety devices are suitable for stairs, edges and corners?

Stairs, corners and edges are hazards in the home that are easy to make safe. Stair guards and non-slip mats make stairs safe, while corner and edge protectors, such as the PATRULL corner bumper, soften sharp corners and edges and reduce the risk of injury.

A white UNDVIKA corner bumper in the bedroom

A dark brown UNDVIKA corner bumper in the kitchen

Suitable child safety devices for stairs

Little adventurers love stairs. After all, what could be more exciting than scaling lofty peaks in their very own home? This is exactly where the danger lies. By installing a stair guard for children, you can ensure no staircase is tackled without supervision. Steady footing is just as important as a stair guard. Non-slip mats are particularly suitable for wooden or stone stairs, as they provide sure footing for children. Another tip when it comes to stair safety: Pad sharp stair edges with edge protection, as this reduces the risk of injury in the event of a fall.

The best child safety devices for corners and edges

As your child grows, so do the number of areas they can reach in the home. To prevent children from becoming injured by corners and edges, it is best to use corner and edge protectors, such as our PATRULL and UNDVIKA corner buffers. You should also make a round of the house from time to time to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything and to seek out new nooks and crannies. A good time to do this is if you have recently purchased new furniture or if your children are able to access new areas. Don’t forget to check areas or rooms that children rarely enter but remain a source of curiosity, such as a home office, pantry or hobby room. It’s best to pad all corners and edges here, too.

Which child safety devices prevent children from falling out of bed?

Children need their sleep. And you need the reassurance that they’re safe. A guard rail or protective barrier for the bed is the best way to protect children against falling out. They can be affixed to the bed in no time for true peace of mind. Here’s how to do it:

Place the cot with the long side against a wall and line it with cushions to make it cosy. This makes it clear to your child that they are at no risk of falling out on this side, which allows them to make themselves comfortable. This leaves only one side of the bed where they are at risk of falling out, and it is here where you should install the guard rail or protective barrier. Easy to install and child-friendly safety guaranteed. If your child often plays on the bed, you can lay thick rugs and plush pillows on the floor to cushion the area around the bed.