What changes did you make to your home?

[jw19nr]

Hello. I am looking at child proofing my home asap as although I wont have an inspection till next year, I want to get as ready as I can before baby arrives (due 23rd dec). I am on maternity leave at the moment and have no children yet so this is the perfect time to get the house ready and prepared. Also financially better as although we don't have much money, people are always asking what presents we want for the baby and for christmas and my birthday is in Jan so when it comes to getting new stuff, this is a good time.

Managed to get most of my baby stuff 2nd hand for free or very cheap so hoping to do the same with the childminding stuff.

I have so far got one stairgate and all the bits for my own baby. What sort of changes did you make? Do you have locks on cupboards etc? Did you have to get rid of anything you had?

Is there any particular standard furniture etc has to come to?

Would be really gratefull for any replies as I am really keen to get started.

Thanks
Jenny

[smartimartie]

Some of the stuff to start with is just moving everything UP.

Tying cables and removing wires.

Putting plug socket covers on.

Single pane glass - removing and replacing or putting plastic film on.

Cupboard door locks.

As you go through your training they will get you to your own risk assessments and these will highlight anything relevant to you and your home.

Most of the stuff you need to do is common sense and cheap to do.

Something I am going to buy is a visual baby monitor. You can see the baby on a small TV like moniter. It is in Agros for £80.00.

[kelly76x]

depending on where you are u may be entitled to a start up grant once you have done your icp my development officer came out to see what i needed she wrote a list which included 2x stairgates, 2x fireguards a highchair, safety glass film socket covers ect they then gave me a voucher for a local child equipment shop and just picked which ones i wanted. i think it came to a total of 200 pound.
but yes most of it is common sense like your wires ect, a good idea i was given on here was to get down on all fours and look around your room as you get a totally differnt view.