Babies go from rolling to crawling to pulling themselves up on furniture in a few months. The best time to baby proof is before they start moving, so you are not rushing once they do. Dubai homes have a few specific risks, especially balconies, sliding glass doors and tall furniture on tiled floors.
Start with the Biggest Risks
Before buying gadgets, deal with the dangers that cause the most serious injuries:
- Tall furniture that can tip over
- Balconies and windows
- Stairs in villas and duplexes
- Hot water
Living Room
- Anchor furniture. TV units, bookcases and dressers must be fixed to the wall. A climbing toddler can pull them over. See furniture anchoring.
- Mount the TV. A TV on a stand is a tipping hazard. Wall mounting removes it.
- Cover corners. Glass and marble coffee tables have sharp edges. Fit corner guards.
- Socket covers and cords. Cover unused sockets and tidy cables away. See outlet covers and cord concealers.
Balconies and Windows
This is the most important area in Dubai towers.
- Lock sliding balcony doors with a high-mounted lock children cannot reach.
- Fit balcony safety nets or guards, and move furniture away from railings so it cannot be climbed.
- Fit window restrictors so windows open no more than about 10 cm.
Our window guards and balcony safety nets and window locks services cover both.
Kitchen
- Lock low cabinets that hold cleaning products, knives and glass. See child-proof locks and latches.
- Use the back burners and turn pan handles inwards.
- Fit appliance locks to ovens, dishwashers and fridges.
Stairs and Doorways
- Install baby safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- At the top of stairs, always use a screw-fixed gate, never a pressure gate.
- Wide openings in open-plan villas may need extra-wide or retractable gates.
- Fit door stoppers to stop fingers being trapped.
Bathroom
- Keep the toilet lid locked and the door closed.
- Set water heaters to a safe temperature, or fit anti-scald devices.
- Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.
Nursery
- Assemble the cot exactly to the instructions and check every bolt.
- Keep the cot away from windows, blind cords and heaters.
- Anchor the dresser and changing table.
Extra Checks for Villas and Townhouses
Villas add a few risks that apartments do not have.
- Pools: fit a pool safety fence or net and keep gates self-closing and locked. See pool safety nets and fences.
- Stairs: gates top and bottom, plus checks for gaps in balustrades wide enough for a child to slip through.
- Garden: cover outdoor sockets, store tools and chemicals high up, and check gates to the street close properly.
- Laundry and maid's rooms: lock cupboards with detergents and keep doors closed.
- Roof terraces: keep access doors locked.
A walk-through at a child's eye level, crawling if you can, is the quickest way to spot hazards you would otherwise miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start Baby Proofing?
Start before your baby begins to crawl, usually around five to six months. Doing the big jobs early, such as anchoring furniture and securing balconies, means you are not rushing once your child is mobile. Check again as they start pulling up and climbing.
Are Pressure Gates Safe at the Top of Stairs?
No. Pressure-fitted gates can be pushed out and should only be used at the bottom of stairs or between rooms. At the top of stairs, always use a gate that is screwed into the wall or banister and opens away from the stairs.
How Do I Make a Dubai Balcony Safe for Children?
Keep the balcony door locked with a lock children cannot reach, move furniture and planters away from the railing so they cannot be climbed, and fit a balcony safety net or guard where gaps are large. Never leave a child alone on a balcony.
Will Baby Proofing Damage My Rented Apartment?
Many products can be fitted with small, neat screws that are easy to fill at move-out, and some, such as adhesive locks and pressure gates for lower stairs, need no drilling. A professional installer can suggest rental-friendly options for each room.
Get a Professional Safety Check
Every home is different. A baby proofing assessment walks through your home with you and fits everything in one visit. See all our baby proofing services in Dubai.