Babies and pets share similar curiosities and vulnerabilities. Both explore the world with their mouths, have limited awareness of danger, and can access surprisingly small spaces. By addressing their safety needs together, you’ll save time, money, and ensure your home is truly family-friendly.
Put childproof latches on your lower cupboard doors, particularly the ones with cleaning materials or hazardous materials. These locks will work just as well for pets as for babies; the trick is to find locks that small hands (or paws) cannot operate.
Keeping pet food in a locked cupboard will not only protect your baby from eating pet food but will also prevent your pet from overeating when you’re not looking.
Cover all electrical outlets with safety plugs or sliding outlet covers. Pets and babies alike can be shocked by exposed outlets. Secure loose electrical cords against walls using cord concealers or cord shorteners so as to eliminate tripping hazards.
Use cord management boxes for entertainment centres and other areas with multiple cords. This will protect babies and pets from interacting with potentially lethal wires!
Use baby gates to block off areas with hazards (stairs, kitchens). Look for gates that have slats less than 10cm apart, as these will stop your pets or kids from squeezing through.
Create pet-only areas, with pets’ food and beds. This way, your baby won’t be able to get hold of pet food or toys – both potential choking hazards.
Secure all heavy furniture, such as bookcases, dressers and entertainment units, to the wall using anti-tip straps to prevent them from toppling over when toddlers or energetic pets, such as Poodles, start trying to climb them while playing. Also make sure you secure televisions onto the wall or on stands to keep them from accidentally falling. Keep decorative items and electronics on high shelves, well out of reach.
Get down to floor level to identify hazards from a baby’s or pet’s perspective. Remove or secure items like:
Keep pet toys and baby toys separate, especially pet toys with squeakers or small parts that could be a choking hazard for your baby. Make sure you regularly examine toys for loose or broken parts, and throw away any toys that could be a hazard to your baby or your pet.
Consider feeding your pet food that it can access, but that your baby can’t.
This will help prevent them from becoming possessive around their pet food. And it will also ensure your baby doesn’t get to it when you aren’t looking.
Keep toilet lids closed with lid locks. Toilets present drowning risks for babies and attract pets looking for drinking water. Store all medications, cosmetics, and toiletries in high cabinets or behind locked doors.
Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use, or install a door handle cover that prevents little hands from turning the knob.
Install gates at both the top and bottom of all staircases. Ensure bottom gates swing only in one direction (away from stairs) to prevent anyone from tumbling down if they lean against it.
If you have open stairway railings with wide gaps, install clear banister guards to prevent babies from slipping through or getting stuck, and to keep pets from attempting to jump through gaps.
Always supervise interactions between babies and pets. Provide your pet with a location where they can be out of the baby’s reach but observe the family (high perch/bed). This will reduce stress for pets who feel left out or who are adjusting to the new family dynamic. Supervision of interactions is encouraged regardless of the level of your pet’s training.
Use stove knob covers to prevent both toddlers and jumping pets from accidentally turning on burners. Install safety latches on trash bins and ensure your rubbish bin is inaccessible, as it contains hazards for both babies and pets.
Never leave chairs pushed up to counters or tables, as determined babies and agile pets can use them as climbing aids.
Put in window guards or stops to prevent the window from opening more than 10cm to protect babies and pets from escaping and falling from high-story windows. If your home has a balcony, make sure your railings don’t have narrow spacings or footholds that kids can use to climb over.
Perform monthly safety checks on your home. The safety measures that are appropriate this month might not be next month as your baby grows and develops new skills.
Monitor your pet’s behaviour. If your pet experiences stress or anxiety about the new baby, it might take unusual actions that create new safety concerns.
With these strategies, you can create a safe and nurturing environment for your children to grow up with their pets, leading to many benefits for your babies and children.
You are not just protecting your baby or your pet; you are creating a harmonious space in which every member of your family can grow together safely.
How to Baby-Proof Your Home and Pet-Proof at the Same Time - https://sparkhomes.com.au/
February 6, 2026Why Are Professional Plumbers in Brisbane Essential for Modern Households?
February 5, 2026Design-Led Renovation Choices That Add Real Value to Australian Homes
February 5, 2026The Granny Flat Transition: Tips for Downsizing and Moving Family In
February 5, 2026How Early Supplier Coordination Prevents Costly Build Delays
February 5, 2026
