Childproofing checklist: From newborn to toddler

Bringing your newborn home for the first time is exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measures. They're so tiny and vulnerable now, but before you know it, your bundle of joy will be crawling around at full speed.

Most babies start crawling between the ages of seven and 10 months, so it's never too early to start making your home as safe as possible and eliminating hidden household hazards. Here's everything you need to know about childproofing, from newborn stage to cheeky toddlers.

Air quality

Studies have shown that the air inside your home can contain more pollutants than the air outside. Help your baby breathe easy by using an air purifier in the nursery, and move it around the home along with your newborn. Streamlined and portable, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Purifier removes 99.95% of fine particles, including harmful pollutants as small as 0.1 microns.

Sleeping safely

Ensure your baby's bassinet is safe by removing blankets or accessories such as bumper pads, pillows, blankets, comforters, stuffed animals or other loose items. As baby grows and moves into a cot, be vigilant about moving the mattress to the lowest position as soon as they begin standing or pulling themselves up.

Sharp corners

Congratulations, your baby is on the move! Now what? Harmless-looking furniture can now pose a serious hazard to little heads and limbs. Check for sharp edges and corners and install protective guards to keep your littlies bruise-free.

Wobble & topple

Unstable wall units and bookcases can easily topple over babies who try to climb on them. Bolt large and risky pieces to the wall, and have any wobbly furniture and rickety chairs repaired – or removed – to avoid accidents.

Windows

Eliminate the risks around windows with guards or devices that keep them from opening more than 12.5cm. And, keep in mind that fly screens aren't strong enough to prevent a child from falling through a window.

Rogue cords

Cords hanging from blinds pose a strangulation risk for active toddlers. Keep them out of reach by wrapping all cords around a hook attached to the wall.

Out of bounds

There are parts of the house that curious little crawlers should not venture – kitchens when the oven's been on all day, up and down stairs, and anywhere near a heater or open fire. Child safety gates will keep your little explorer out of trouble. Secure safety latches on kitchen cabinet doors and bathroom cupboards for added protection.

Tiny hazards

Babies and toddlers explore by putting things in their mouths. Keep tiny items they can swallow and possibly choke on out of reach – look out for coins, magnets and button batteries, as well as sharp items such as scissors and knives. Kidsafe, the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia, recommends regularly checking toys for wear and loose parts.

Plug it up

According to Westmead Children's Hospital, children can receive electric shock when biting on cords or cord sockets, placing scissors and keys into power points and placing appliances in water. Seal off electrical outlets with safety plugs and unplug hairdryers and electric razors when not in use.

At Dyson, we insist on developing technology that works properly, without compromise on any functions. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool™ purifying fan heater delivers fast and even room heating in winter, powerful fan cooling in summer and efficient purification through all seasons. The machine automatically detects airborne particles and gases and simultaneously reports to the LCD screen and Dyson Link app in real time, encouraging wellbeing and maintaining comfort levels in the home.