Safety Measures for Children Just Learning How to Walk at Home

As much as parents often anticipate their child's milestones with eager anticipation, it can also be a little nerve wracking when your child becomes mobile. Keeping your toddler or baby safe when he begins to walk is a big priority, but you can get your home ready for your little one fairly easily.

  1. Baby Gates

    • One of the first things to do to protect your child as she's learning to walk is purchase and install baby gates. The Boston Public Health Commission suggests that baby gates be installed at the top and bottom of staircases to prevent your little one from falls. Baby gates can also be helpful to keep your toddler corralled in areas you want her in, and out of rooms she doesn't belong in. For example, if your child isn't potty training yet, you might want to have a baby gate in the doorway of the bathroom if the bathroom isn't childproofed to keep her from playing in the sink or toilet or getting to any soaps or detergents under the sink.

    Corner Protection

    • Sharp corners on low tables can be disastrous for a young child just learning to walk, as it's easy to walk or fall into these corners for kids who are still unsteady. KidsHealth suggests that you put rubber child-proofing bumpers on any sharp corners in rooms your child will be using, such as her bedroom, playroom, living room, or kitchen. Don't forget other sharp edges besides tables, as well, such as the edges of fireplaces or modern-style furniture.

    Clean Up and Rearrange

    • Once your child is starting to walk, he is able to reach more things than he was before he could pull himself to stand. This means it's time to take any heavy objects or breakables off low tables and shelves to prevent injury. Heavy vases or books could be pulled down on top of him accidentally, and anything fragile could be broken, possibly resulting in cuts or a choking hazard.

    Window Safety

    • A child who is starting to walk may also now be able to reach windows that were inaccessible before. This can present several different dangers. For instance, if you have blinds or curtains with long curtain pulls, your child can get tangled up in them and possibly face a strangulation hazard, according to the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Child Development. Cut cords short or fasten them securely high up where your child can't reach them. For windows on the second floor or higher, consider putting window guards and locks on any windows that don't have them to decrease the risk of your child being able to fall out.

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