Welcoming a baby into your household is exciting and a literal start to a new life. A life where you need to make sure that your child is safe and sound at all times. This is why it’s important to get your house baby-proofed before bringing the little one home. However, this can be a tedious and annoying task if you live in a rental property. With the fear of jeopardising your lease or security deposit, you may be limited to what you can do to give a personalised touch to the home. You might even feel it’s not your place to baby proof a rental home.

In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks to baby proof a rental home without facing difficulties or bad words with your landlord. We also have advice for landlords looking to rent to families.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

How to baby proof a rental home

1.   Baby Gates

When it comes to installing baby gates for your child’s safety, there are two types of gates that can be set up. One requires drilling, and the other one doesn’t. The one without having to drill is known as a pressure-mounted gate and is only safe when you need it to act as a barrier or separation between rooms. It might work well if you’re in a one level home to separate rooms however it is not advised to set these up at the top-end of the stairs as they can be pushed over by force. This is where you need to get those drilled in gates, so talk to your landlords to get permission if needed. 

2.   Window Locks

Another threat to your child’s safety is unlocked and unprotected windows. Especially if you have multiple floors in the house, there is a danger that your child might trip over or throw something out while playing. You can protect your windows easily and cheaply with the use of safety locks. Since these locks are removable, there shouldn’t be a problem with the house owners either. 

3.   Cabinet Locking System 

Before setting up locks on the drawers or cabinets, your initial step must be to organise things well. Make sure to keep anything toxic, poisonous or harmful far away from your kid’s reach. Now install a locking system on all the cabinets in the kitchen and drawers in your rooms to stay one step ahead of any future mishap. Utilising magnetic locks is the best way to not get in trouble with your lease. However, if you prefer getting it more secured, then there is no harm in having a word with the landlords; after all, it’s about your child’s safety, and no compromises are allowed. 

4. Home Security

Home security is important for everyone but particularly if you have an infant in the home. House alarm systems are a big plus for any families looking to rent a home. As such if you are a landlord consider installing one before you rent your home.

5.   Children Friendly Furniture 

When you are baby-proofing the house, try to see things from your child’s eye level. Make amendments accordingly. Ensure that when it comes to the furniture and home accessories, there isn’t anything that the child could pull or push and destroy, or there are no sharp edges that can cause harm of any sort. You can always get edge covers if needed.

6.   Comfort Flooring

Tiled or hardwood can be slippery and a trip hazard for when your little one is taking their first steps. Even though you have limited options to change your flooring, a wise decision at this point is to make use of rugs, carpets, or non-slippery pads to prevent your child from tripping at his or her initial walking stage. 

The downside of renting a house is that it never really becomes yours. However, it is your home. Considering the safety of your child, there are some proactive measures that you can take to get things your way. Also is there something else that you feel needs to be added to your home to protect your child? If so then talk to your landlords or management and share your ideas. There are high chances that they will understand you and provide you with a resolution to your benefit. 

Advice for Landlords

As a landlord, even though it’s important to keep your property intact, it’s also important to understand what parenting is like and what measures one must ensure. Selecting young tenants or ones starting their family comes along with a lot of pressure at the landlord’s end; therefore, landlords must always be thorough with their documents and a step ahead with their insurances. You can compare landlord insurance to make sure you get the best protection for you as a landlord and for your tenants. You will then be safeguarding your investment.

Having a family in your property can be wonderful. Children will grow and develop in your house or apartment. It will become their home where they share their hopes and dreams. If you are renting to a family though it’s not just their responsibility to make sure the home is baby proofed and child friendly. It’s important to do your own checks too. Especially if your home is rented with furniture!

Landlord checklist

Some of the things to consider are:

• Can cords from blinds come loose and be dangerous?
• Are all sockets installed to modern standards?
• Can anything be pulled down by little hands i.e. low mounted TVs?
• Are there bannisters or railings where a child could get their head trapped through?
• Are there any sharp corners on furniture?
• Is glass in your property marked with the British Standards (BS)?
• Do heavy doors need door holders?

These are just some of the things you need to consider. Of course you can’t be expected to turn your home into a soft play centre but tenants will appreciate any efforts you make to help keep your proprty safe for little ones. If you don’t feel that your home is suitable for families, perhaps it’s an older property with narrow and steep stairs for example, you can advise this when advertising your property for rental. But you can’t legally refuse a tenant because they have children. Do let them know of any potential hazards in your home for children though so they are fully aware before they rent your property.

What has your experience been as a tenant or landlord? Share your thoughts, advice and experience in the comments below.