Keeping Kids Safe at Home in New Zealand

When you’ve got kids in the house, safety isn’t just something to think about—it’s something you need to stay on top of. One minute they’re sitting quietly, the next they’re climbing something they shouldn’t be. So, let’s go over some of the key things to watch out for and how to make your place safer for little ones.

1. Securing Furniture and Appliances

Kids love to climb. Bookshelves, drawers, even the TV unit—it all looks like a jungle gym to them. The problem? These things can tip over if they pull on them.

Here’s what you should do:

• Secure large furniture to the wall using brackets or straps. You can grab these at Mitre 10 or Bunnings NZ.
• TVs should either be mounted on the wall or strapped down if they sit on a cabinet. Check out PB Tech or Harvey Norman for sturdy TV brackets.
• Drawer locks stop little hands from pulling too hard and causing a fall. The Warehouse and BabyCity have a good range of child safety latches.

2. Keeping Dangerous Items Out of Reach

From cleaning products to sharp knives, kids don’t know what’s dangerous until it’s too late. The key is to store harmful things well out of their reach.

• Cupboard safety locks are a lifesaver. They’re easy to install and keep little ones from getting into cleaning products under the sink. Baby Factory and Kmart NZ sell a range of affordable options.
• Medications should always be stored up high, in a locked cabinet if possible. Pharmacies like Unichem and Life Pharmacy sell childproof pill containers if you need them.
• Knives and scissors shouldn’t be left on kitchen counters. Use a high drawer or install a magnetic knife strip well out of reach.

3. Preventing Falls

Falls are one of the most common childhood injuries, especially when kids start exploring.

• Stair gates are essential if you have stairs. Baby On The Move and The Sleep Store stock sturdy ones that won’t damage your walls.
• Balcony safety – If you have a deck or balcony, check the gaps in your railings (they should be no more than 100mm apart). Consider installing plexiglass or vertical balusters if needed.
• Window safety locks stop kids from pushing windows open too far. Mitre 10 has a good selection.
• Non-slip mats are great in areas like the bathroom to prevent slips after bathtime.

4. Electrical and Fire Safety

Kids are curious about everything—including plug sockets and anything that makes fire.

• Power socket covers stop them from poking things into outlets. They’re cheap and easy to install (check out Briscoes or Baby Factory).
• Keep cords tidy – Loose cords can be a strangulation hazard. Use cord organisers or keep them behind furniture.
• Smoke alarms are a must – Make sure they’re working and test them regularly. With kids in the house, you may also want a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Fire and Emergency NZ has advice on this.

5. Water Safety

Drowning can happen faster than most people realise, and it’s not just about swimming pools. Even a bucket of water can be a risk.

• Never leave kids unattended in the bath – Not even for a second. If you need to step away, take them with you.
• Pool fencing is the law in NZ – If you have a pool, it must be fenced with a gate that self-closes. Check building.govt.nz for regulations.
• Empty paddling pools after use. A small amount of water can still be a drowning hazard for a toddler.

6. Door and Corner Protection

Kids have a way of finding sharp corners and slamming their fingers in doors.

• Corner protectors are great for coffee tables and other hard edges. You can find these at The Warehouse or IKEA NZ.
• Door finger guards stop little fingers from getting crushed in doors. Look for these at baby stores like The Sleep Store.

7. Teaching Kids About Safety

No matter how much you babyproof, teaching kids about safety is just as important.

• Teach them early that hot things burn (like the oven, stove, or even a cup of tea).
• Show them the ‘stop, look, listen’ rule for road safety.
• Explain why they shouldn’t put small objects in their mouths (to prevent choking).

You don’t need to bubble-wrap your house, but a few smart changes make all the difference. The goal is to create a space where kids can explore, play, and grow—without too much risk of harm.

Have a look at Safekids Aotearoa (www.safekids.nz) for more detailed advice on child safety at home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.