Child Safety at Home: A Nanny's Guide to Baby-Proofing Lagos Homes

Most baby-proofing guides are written for Western homes — carpeted floors, enclosed gardens, regulated electrical fittings. Lagos homes are different. Our houses have open balconies, exposed generators, water storage tanks on rooftops, and tiled floors that become slip hazards the moment water touches them. If you are a nanny working in Lagos, or a parent employing one, this is the safety checklist that actually applies to your home.

The Entrance and Stairway

The front door and stairs are the first hazard zone. In many Lagos homes, the staircase is marble or tile — beautiful, and treacherous for a crawling or toddling child.

• Stair gates at top and bottom. Not optional. Hardware-mounted gates, not pressure-fit — the latter loosen over time on tiled walls.
• Non-slip strips on each step. Clear adhesive strips work on marble without damaging it.
• Door alarms or chimes on the main entrance so you hear if a child pushes it open.
• Shoe rack away from the walkway. Shoes at the entrance are a tripping hazard that most families do not think about.

The Living Room

This is where most of the day is spent, and where most hazards are overlooked.

• Corner guards on all furniture. Lagos homes favour glass tables and sharp-edged furniture. Silicone corner guards are cheap and save thousands in emergency visits.
• Electrical outlets. Cover every socket. Nigerian homes often have outlets at a child's height. Use sliding outlet covers, not the small plastic caps (those are choking hazards themselves).
• Cable management. Use cord covers along walls. Standing fans, TV cables, and phone chargers are all at pulling height.
• Generator safety. If the home uses a generator, the child must never have access to the area where it is housed. This includes the extension cords running from it.
• Window locks. Windows that open more than 10cm need childproof restrictors. This is especially critical in upstairs flats.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the highest-risk room in any home. In Lagos, additional hazards include gas canisters, open-flame cooking, and the tendency to store cleaning products at floor level.

• Cleaning products locked away. Not under the sink — in a locked cabinet above counter height. Children learn to open cabinet latches faster than you think.
• Pot handles turned in. Always. No exceptions. One moment of forgetfulness is a third-degree burn.
• Sharp objects in a drawer with a lock or on a high shelf. Knife blocks on the counter are an invitation.
• Gas canister valve off when not in use. Check it as part of your end-of-day routine.
• Hot water — store it high. Thermos flasks on low tables are a burn risk. Place them on counters or high shelves.

The Bathroom

Water is the primary hazard here, and Lagos bathrooms have specific challenges: floor-level showers, water storage buckets, and inconsistent hot water.

• Never leave water in a bucket unattended. A child can drown in 5cm of water. Empty buckets immediately after use or store them upside down.
• Non-slip bath mat inside the shower area and a rug outside. Wet tiles plus running equals a hospital visit.
• Water temperature checks. Always test water on the inside of your wrist before a child touches it. If you are unsure of the hot water system, run cold first, then add hot gradually.
• Toilet lock. Toddlers are fascinated by toilets. A simple clip lock prevents both drowning risk and unsanitary play.

The Bedroom

Safe sleep is the priority here. The guidelines are similar worldwide, but worth repeating because the stakes are so high.

• Firm mattress, fitted sheet, nothing else in the cot. No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers for children under 12 months. This is non-negotiable.
• Cot away from windows, blinds, and cords. Blind cords are a strangulation hazard. Cut them short or use cord winders.
• Changing table with a strap — and always keep one hand on the child. Never step away, even for a moment.
• Dresser anchors. Any furniture taller than 75cm should be anchored to the wall. IKEA-style dressers tip easily when drawers are pulled.

The Outdoor Area and Balcony

Lagos homes with outdoor space — gardens, balconies, rooftops — need specific attention.

• Balcony railings. If the gap between bars is more than 10cm, a child can slip through. Install mesh guard netting across the railing.
• Water features. Any standing water — pools, large plant pots that collect rain, drainage channels — must be covered or fenced.
• Generator area. Fenced and locked. Fumes and moving parts are both hazards.
• Plants. Many common Nigerian garden plants are toxic if ingested. Identify every plant in the compound and check toxicity.

The Emergency Plan

Baby-proofing is preparation, not prevention. You still need an emergency plan. Every nanny should know:

1. The nearest hospital or clinic and the fastest route
2. The parents' emergency contacts and preferred hospital
3. Basic first aid: CPR for infants, choking response, burn treatment
4. Where the first aid kit is stored in the home
5. The compound security guard's number (if applicable)

At COHCASEL, every CHMC-certified nanny completes a paediatric first aid module as part of their training. It is not an optional extra — it is a core requirement, because the stakes are real.

Final Checklist for Nannies Starting a New Placement

Before your first working day, walk through the home with this list:

• Stair gates installed and secure?
• All electrical outlets covered?
• Cleaning products locked away?
• Water buckets empty or stored upside down?
• Blind cords secured or shortened?
• Balcony mesh installed (if applicable)?
• First aid kit stocked and location known?
• Emergency contacts posted on the fridge?
• Cot clear of loose items?
• Smoke detectors working?

If any item is missing, flag it to the family before your first working day. This is not being difficult — this is being professional.

Looking for a CHMC-certified nanny who understands safety protocols? Start your search with COHCASEL.