Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s most magical milestones. But as any parent quickly learns, little ones grow fast—and curiosity grows even faster! 👣 Before long, your crawling, toddling explorer will be grabbing cords, poking into outlets, and discovering every inch of your home. That’s why baby-proofing your home’s electrical system is one of the smartest (and safest) things you can do as a growing family.
At Stripped Electrical, we know how important peace of mind is when you’re raising a child. Our team of licensed electricians doesn’t just wire homes—we help families feel safe and secure in every room. Whether you’re prepping the nursery or baby-proofing the whole house, here’s your complete guide to electrical safety for growing families in Alberta.
Why Electrical Safety Should Be a Top Priority
Electricity is an invisible danger—one that’s easily overlooked in the excitement of baby gear and nursery paint swatches. But according to the Electrical Safety Foundation, about 2,400 children are treated each year in North America for injuries caused by electrical outlets alone.
Young children:
- Don’t understand the danger
- Are drawn to sockets, cords, and switches
- Have small fingers perfect for poking where they shouldn’t
That’s why proactive prevention isn’t just a precaution—it’s a must.
Top Electrical Safety Tips for Parents
Let’s explore practical steps you can take to child-proof your home’s electrical system, room by room.
1. Cover Every Electrical Outlet
Standard outlets are the #1 hazard for babies and toddlers. Luckily, covering them is quick and affordable.
✅ Best options:
- Tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles – Now required by Canadian Electrical Code for new builds; these outlets have built-in shutters that only open with equal pressure in both slots.
- Plastic outlet plugs – Inexpensive, but can become choking hazards if removed.
- Outlet covers with sliding doors – A smarter, safer long-term fix for high-use outlets.
💡 Tip: Upgrade to tamper-resistant outlets for a permanent solution—Stripped Electrical can retrofit these quickly and affordably.
2. Mount or Secure TVs & Appliances
TVs on low stands and kitchen appliances with dangling cords can tip over or be pulled down.
- Mount TVs securely to walls
- Keep cords out of reach
- Use anti-tip brackets for furniture holding electronics
- Don’t place remote controls or toys on top—kids will climb to reach them
3. Tame the Cord Jungle
Babies love to grab, chew, and yank on electrical cords.
To manage them:
- Use cord shorteners, sleeves, or concealers
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Avoid power strips in baby areas
- Run cords behind furniture, not under rugs (a fire hazard!)
⚠️ Avoid using extension cords for permanent setups—they’re for temporary use only.
4. Battery Safety = Life Saving
Keep an eye on:
- Button batteries (found in remotes, toys, hearing aids) – deadly if swallowed
- Battery chargers – keep them out of reach and away from cribs
- Baby monitors – use cord covers or mount cameras high
Always check toys for secure battery compartments.
5. Bathroom & Kitchen Precautions
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
Keep these zones safe:
- GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) – Required by code near sinks and tubs. These cut off power in milliseconds if a fault is detected.
- Use outlet covers on all unused kitchen and bathroom plugs
- Store small appliances like hair dryers and blenders in locked drawers or up high
If you’re unsure whether your GFCIs are up to code, we’ll inspect and upgrade them for you
6. Panel & Breaker Box Security
Your home’s electrical panel should be:
- Inaccessible to children
- Locked or covered with a latch
- Clearly labeled (for emergencies)
Consider placing a baby gate if the panel is in a basement area your child can access.
7. Nursery-Specific Safety Tips
When setting up your baby’s room, keep these electrical safety practices in mind:
- Keep cribs away from outlets, cords, or switches
- Avoid using plug-in night lights near bedding
- Use battery-operated sound machines and lights when possible
- If using a monitor, never run the cord into the crib
Need help designing a safe nursery layout? We’re happy to provide electrical layout suggestions during a consultation!
8. Test Your Smoke & CO Detectors
Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be:
- Hardwired with battery backup
- Tested monthly
- Located outside bedrooms and on each floor
🔁 Replace batteries every 6 months (or when it chirps!) and the whole unit every 7–10 years.
Bonus Tip: Future-Proof Your Family’s Safety
While your baby might not be walking just yet, they’ll be running and climbing before you know it. Plan now to:
- Install smart switches with timers (great for bathrooms and stair lighting!)
- Add dimmers and soft lighting in nurseries and bedrooms
- Design safe zones for play with dedicated outlets and no trip hazards
Thinking long-term? Consider a whole-home safety inspection to spot risks and upgrades before they become urgent.
Why Call a Pro Instead of DIY?
Some parents attempt to handle all baby-proofing themselves, but electrical safety is one area where DIY can be dangerous. Code requirements in Alberta evolve, and every home is different.
Here’s what you can count on when you call Stripped Electrical:
- Licensed, insured electricians
- Code-compliant, safe installations
- Outlet and panel upgrades
- Custom safety recommendations
- Friendly, judgment-free service
We’re parents too. We get it. We’ll treat your home with the same care we’d want for our own kids.
📍 Serving Families Across Alberta
Whether you’re in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, or anywhere nearby, Stripped Electrical is your go-to team for home safety upgrades. We’ve helped dozens of young families feel more confident in their homes—and we’d love to help yours too.
📞 Let’s Talk About Safe Spaces for Small Feet
Don’t let electrical hazards sneak up on you. With just a few smart changes, your home can become a safe, happy haven for your growing family.
📬 Contact Stripped Electrical Today
- 📧 Email: hello@strippedelectrical.ca
- 📞 Call: 780-932-1776
- 🌐 strippedelectrical.ca
