8 Ways to Babyproof Your Home Before the Relatives Arrive

Inserting plastic outlet covers in any unused outlets is a quick way to prevent fingers and objects from entering. These inexpensive covers act as a barrier, stopping accidental electrocution. Plus, outlet covers come in fun designs that blend right into your existing decor. In fact, they often go unnoticed by adults. However, rest assured the covers are doing their job, keeping curious kids out of harm's way.

Any cabinets containing potentially dangerous items like cleaning supplies, medications, alcohol or toxic chemicals should be locked with child safety locks. Shielding your living space provides an obstacle preventing children from accessing these harmful substances. Ultimately, safety locks help avoid accidental poisoning or chemical burns. You can find affordable products at your local hardware store. Installing them takes only minutes but provides year-round protection.

An important step is ensuring all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly working before the holidays. These devices literally save lives by alerting families to fires or gas leaks in the home. Protect your loved ones by taking a few minutes to change batteries and test each detector. Although we hope never to need them, it's wise to have these lifelines functioning correctly when a company is visiting.

For folks in warmer climates that have homes with pools, clearly mark sections that are shallow enough for kids to play safely. Children visiting may not be aware of sudden depth changes. Supervise young ones near water at all times and be crystal clear about off-limits areas. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, so vigilance near pools is a must. Defining boundaries provides clarity for both children and adults.

Holiday decor like snow globes, candles and delicate ornaments should be placed out of reach and out of sight when little ones are around. High shelves and cupboards can help safeguard prized possessions from tiny, curious hands. Lifting them away safely prevents frustrated tears over shattered keepsakes. Also, remember to move any expensive electronics or fragile family heirlooms to a locked room for safekeeping. Accidents happen, so storing breakables up high when kids visit is wise.

Install safety gates at the top and bottom of any staircases in the home. Make sure gates are firmly mounted to walls and banisters. Also, check that the bars are close enough together so a child's head cannot fit through. Gates provide an immense barrier against staircase falls, which are a common source of injury for toddlers and preschoolers. Take a few minutes to ensure gates are properly installed and working securely.

Sharp corners on furniture can lead to painful cuts and bruises if accidentally run into by unsteady little ones. Placing soft corner guards on tables, countertops, fireplace hearths, entertainment centers and other rigid edges helps cushion falls. Foam tubing, bubble wrap or furniture corner bumpers are handy items to keep on hand. You can quickly secure them to furniture using double-sided tape. Take a quick walk through each room and identify any hazards before the kids arrive.

Finally, securely anchor freestanding furniture like bookshelves, dressers and TV stands. Use anti-tip kits to strap more oversized items to the wall studs. Fasteners prevent dangerous tip-overs if kids try to climb. For smaller furnishings like side tables or lamps, apply Velcro pads to the bottom to keep them firmly planted on the floor. Using these anchoring methods provides vital protection against crushing injuries.