Whether you’re looking to start a family or simply hosting friends with children at your humble abode, it can be extremely helpful to child proof your living space. Childless adults often forget how many places tiny fingers can get into – and often small children find their way to the most dangerous spaces in your house. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, so before you bring a little one into your home, be sure your home is kid-proof.

Here are a few areas to pay attention to, when childproofing your home.

1) Chemicals and Cleaners – Most household cleaners are extremely dangerous – especially if they are accidentally ingested or splashed into the eyes. When childproofing your home, be sure to store all chemicals in a locked cabinet.

2) Corners and Edges – Windowsills, coffee table corners and sink edges are often just high enough to touch the top of a toddler’s head, and this is definitely cause for concern. However, it’s easy to cushion those places with soft, removable bumpers.

3) Electrical Outlets – To a curious toddler, an electrical outlet seems like a fun place to stick their fingers, toys and other items found around the house. Be sure to invest in some outlet covers to prevent this danger from causing harm.

4) Stairways – A tumble down even a short set of steps can lead to a broken bone or nasty sprain. However, baby gates are a simple fix and easy to install. Not to mention, they can also double as a barrier for hyper pets when company comes to visit.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that even the best childproofed homes are still full of hazards and dangerous places for small children. Sometimes the only way to keep your children out of harm’s way is to always keep them in your sight. Like the old saying – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Main image by Josh Engroff (rest of images by 1, 2, 3, 4)