Child-Proof Your Home in Japan Without Damaging Your Property

Oct 06, 2023

Child-Proof Your Home in Japan Without Damaging Your Property

Welcoming a child into your home is a joyous occasion, but it also requires a shift in perspective. Suddenly, seemingly harmless everyday objects can become potential hazards. Japan, with its unique living arrangements and cultural nuances, is no different in this respect. This guide will help you child-proof your home in Japan while ensuring you don’t damage your property.

Furniture and Sharp Corners
Soft Corner Protectors: These small, typically transparent or semi-transparent silicone or foam pads stick onto the sharp corners of furniture. They are soft to the touch, ensuring they won’t get hurt if your child bumps into them. Where to Buy: Available in stores like Nitori, Tokyu Hands, and online on Amazon Japan. Example

Windows and Balconies
Window Locks and Guards: To prevent kids from accidentally opening and falling out, install window locks and guards. They’re easy to attach and don’t cause permanent damage.  Where to Buy: DIY stores like Daiso, Kohnan, and Rakuten.  Example

Electrical Outlets
Outlet Covers: These plug into outlets just like any regular plug but are designed to be hard for little fingers to remove. Where to Buy: Almost every convenience store or supermarkets like AEON, Lawson, and online platforms like Amazon Japan. Example

Drawers and Cabinets
Cabinet Locks: These adhesive locks are attached inside cabinets and drawers, keeping kids from accessing potentially dangerous items. Where to Buy: Baby product stores, larger drug stores, and online on Rakuten or Amazon Japan. Examples

Toilet Safety
Toilet Locks: A simple mechanism that prevents kids from opening the toilet lid. It’s a must-have if your child is fond of water or just curious. Where to Buy: Home centers, baby product stores, and Amazon Japan. Examples

Non-Slip Mats
Especially crucial in homes with tatami or polished wooden floors, non-slip mats ensure your child won’t slip while running around. Where to Buy: Nitori, IKEA, and Muji stores in Japan. Examples

Door Stopper
These cute foam or silicone products prevent doors from slamming shut, thus safeguarding little fingers. Where to Buy: Most 100 yen stores like Daiso, Seria, and Tokyu Hands. Examples

Stove Guards
An essential for homes with open kitchen layouts. These shields prevent kids from reaching the stove and getting burned. Where to Buy: Electronic stores such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera, and online on Amazon Japan. Examples

Earthquake Safety
Since Japan is prone to earthquakes, secure furniture to walls with adhesive straps or braces. This prevents them from toppling over during quakes. Where to Buy: DIY home stores like Kohnan and online retailers. Examples

Safety Gates
To keep kids away from stairs or specific rooms, install safety gates. They can be pressure-mounted, ensuring no damage to walls or doors. Where to Buy: Baby stores like Akachan Honpo, Toys “R” Us Japan, and online platforms. Examples

Open Stair Netting
A protective mesh or net-like barrier that is installed along the open sides of staircases, particularly those without solid walls or railings. The main purpose of this netting is to prevent accidents, such as small children, pets, or objects from falling through the open spaces between the stair balusters or railings. Example

Child-proofing in Japan is made relatively simple with the variety of products available that preserve your home’s integrity. Regularly walk through your home at a child’s eye level to spot potential dangers, and always remember to keep safety first.

By Shirish Mulmuley (Flickr: 20121028 saanvi051) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons