10 budget-friendly ways to childproof your house

This week marks Child Safety Week, which aims to raise awareness of the risks of child accidents and how they can be prevented.

Childproofing your home is something which many new families try to do to prevent any avoidable accidents.

However, with the amount of household appliances that now need childproofing, the cost can soon add up.

Here are 10 budget-friendly ways of childproofing your house, meaning you can keep the little ones safe without spending a fortune.

1. Use cookie cutters as cabinet locks

Use cookie cutters as cabinet locks (Photo: Shutterstock)

Using plastic cookie cutters that you may already have at home is a cheap and efficient way of securing a cabinet without investing in new locks.

Simply find one that will fit over two cabinet drawer handles to prevent them from being opened.

2. Use tennis balls for sharp corners

Cut a slit down a tennis ball and attach it to sharp corners of a table or cabinet (Photo: Shutterstock)

Although this may not be aesthetically pleasing, cutting a slit down a tennis ball and attaching it to sharp corners of a table or cabinet can avoid any nasty bumps.

3. Use a long stick or ruler to secure drawers

Use a long stick or ruler to secure drawers (Shutterstock)

If you have any drawers which have looped/open handles, simply pop a long stick or ruler vertically or horizontally through them, stopping them from being opened.

4. Use swimming floats as door jams

You can use a long, foam swimming float to prevent trapped fingers and hands (Photo: Shutterstock)

You can use a long, foam swimming float, sometimes known as ‘pool noodles’ to prevent trapped fingers and hands.

Simply cut the float in half and then divide into sections, using each curved piece to secure around one part of the door, preventing fingers from getting trapped.

You can cover about 12 doors with just one float and if you choose a neutral coloured float this helps them to blend in.

5. Cover electrical outlets with plasters

Cover electrical outlets with plasters (Photo: Shutterstock)

Little ones often try to play with plugs and other electrical outlets when they get the chance, so to avoid any nasty shocks simply cover them up with a plaster.

Duct tape or electrical tape can also be used.

6. Wash toys in the dishwasher

Place any dishwasher-safe toys the top shelf of the dishwasher (Photo: Shutterstock)

Sanitising toys prevents any unwanted bugs or germs, but instead of buying household cleaner or wipes, if you have access to a dishwasher this works just as well.

Simply place any dishwasher-safe toys (non-battery powered) on the top shelf of the dishwasher and you’re good to go.

7. Secure toilet paper with a hair band

Secure toilet roll with a hair band (Photo: Shutterstock)