Childproofing Your Home: A Room By Room Guide
As first time parents, or parents for the second, third, fourth time (etc.), one thing that always crosses every parents’ mind is “how can I childproof my home?”. Although it may seem like a lot of work, removing any possible hazards, electronics, wires, small objects and more… It is well worth the effort to keep your little ones as safe as possible.
It is also hard to pin-point exactly what MIGHT pose a threat to little grabby hands… Especially when, as babies, one of the number one ways they explore is with their mouth by chewing/teething/tasting. Small children also have a tendency to grab things as another way of exploring, so you want to make sure nothing can fall on them, burn them, or cause them any harm in any way.
Below we have included a guide to childproofing your home: a room by room guide, that is in no way exhaustive… However, it may give you some new ideas, or inspiration for how you can best get your home ready for your mini’s.
Childproofing Bedroom
Let us start with the bedroom. While you may not think of many objects in the bedroom as being ‘dangerous’, this can actually be the most dangerous place for a curious baby/toddler. A few years ago, there was a certain ‘affordable’ and very popular furniture company that produced and sold MANY dressers and cabinets. There were so many incidents of children climbing up the drawers, and with that, having the dresser tip over and fall on the child. Since then, many of these furniture companies now carry safety items that actually secure this type of furniture to the wall. This way, if the child does happen to climb up it, it will not fall on them.
Another thing to consider in the bedroom are any cords. Depending if you are the type of person who loves watching TV in bed or not, it is essential to ensure all TV & A/V equipment is either hidden or stored up high out of reach. When discussing cords, simple items such as lamps, phone chargers, etc., are also at risk of being grabbed/pulled/teethed.
While we are on the topic of electrical – this point goes for any room in the house. There are plastic covers that can be inserted to electrical sockets, which will prevent any fingers or other items entering the plugs.
If your child is sleeping in your bed, or their own, depending on the height of the bed – bed rails may be a great investment. Some beds are quite high and could cause serious harm to your child if they were to fall out of bed.
Another basic safety precaution for ALL homes (not just homes with small children) is to ensure there are smoke detectors installed on every level in your home… Especially near the bedrooms. This alarm goes hand in hand with carbon monoxide detectors, which are also essential to safety at home.
Childproofing Kitchen
The next room we will cover is the kitchen. While the kitchen is the heart of the home for many, it can also be a very hazardous place. Some parents may even opt to make the kitchen an “out of bounds” area by affixing baby gates, just because it could pose a real problem if the children are not properly supervised and sneak their way into this room.
The first thing we would suggest is ensuring all cabinet doors are secured (especially the lower cabinets). This way, there is a child lock on the cabinets and they cannot get into the contents of the cabinets. A lot of people keep their cleaning supplies, dishwasher pods, bleach, etc. under the sink… So these are items we definitely all want to keep away from our kiddos!
When it comes to countertop appliances, such as blenders, mixers, toasters, coffee makers, etc. – anything on the countertop that has a cord – these items can be pulled down. Not only are the cords hazardous if plugged in, a lot of these appliances are quite heavy and could cause some serious damage if it landed on top of someone! Ensure these items are unplugged and out of reach.
All appliances such as fridge, oven, dishwasher should also have locks on them – in case anyone is swinging on the doors, the appliances will not open to cause bodily harm.
As mentioned above, cleaning products are a big thing to focus on when it comes to safety. In addition to installing child-locks on the cabinet doors to prevent access, it is also a good idea to perhaps consider what is being kept in the kitchen and actually look at what ingredients are in the cleaning products you are using. These days, there are a plethora of options when it comes to healthy cleaning options – for example, you can use cleaning vinegar rather than using bleach. Many of these products contain extremely harmful chemicals that go into the air you and your family breathes. If you opt for organic, “green” style cleaning products, it is a win-win for everyone!
On that note of air quality, air purifiers have recently become more and more popular. Almost everything in your home off-gasses – think, new carpet, new flooring, your couch, bed, pillows, blankets, pet beds, pet toys – almost EVERYTHING in your home. Opening your windows to let in clean air helps a lot too. Many people do not consider how polluted interior air can be.
Here are a few other quick tips for other areas of your home:
Childproofing Living Room
– Put down an area rug to prevent slipping
– Bumpers on the corners of coffee tables
– Ensure all cords and A/V equipment are up and away from grabby hands/mouths.
– Converter out of reach (so they don’t get opened and expose dangerous batteries – if ingested)
– Window Covering pulls – tied up higher so they don’t get pulled and fall
– Again, secure any cabinets or consoles to the wall in case of climbers
Childproofing Bathroom
– Cleaning products up and away
– Sharper objects in higher cabinets – think razors, tweezers, scissors. etc.
– Use natural cleaning products or vinegar is a great option
– Lock toilet bowl lid down and vanity doors
– Medication & pills stored away securely
Whether You Are Considering Selling Or Leasing A Home Or Condo, Alex Irish & Associates offer an unparalleled level of service, discretion and marketing regardless of price point or locale.
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.