Toddler proofing my flat

Ok, I am hoping my sister will bring her 3.5 year old kid for a visit in July for a few weeks. Its a bit early but I think I'd better start figuring out whats what when it comes to toddler proofing my flat. Can any of you peeps with little peeps help me figure out what to look for and what things are called? I dont know for sure but I doubt the Obi has an aisle specifically called thingymabobs or whatchamacallits. If she doesn't come I hope this thread might be useful to other people.

Shes a good kid but curious as all hell and likes to climb on everything. My two main concerns are climbing and noise as follows:

A. RESTRICTING ACCESS TO DRAWERS AND WARDROBES:
I know in the states they sell these things that make the drawers difficult for little fingers to open. Im in a rental though so CAN'T drill into the cabinetry. I would definitely need a non-permanent solution.

I have two kinds of drawers to consider:
1. kitchen drawers - below the counter pullout kind. all my plates, utensils, pots and pans etc. are in there, I don't have anywhere to relocate them too. She's past the age of pulling things out willy nilly, she just likes to climb up the drawers. shes apparently fascinated with the stove top.

2. standard tall wardrobes - same as above. only worried about climbing. I thought about just a chair block but I think she'd likely climb on that to get to something else.

B. RESTRICTING ACCESS TO WINDOWS:
I got a sofa below a screenless window, which lets out onto a little ledge where cute little birds sing. Okay I don't find them cute but she might.

The window is German standard opens all the way and theres not another way to reposition the sofa. I figured we'd just close up the room and keep an eye on her but they seem to be sneaky at this age. I'd feel better if I could figure out a way to lock it. I figure I could cheese something with a padlock but if theres an actually device for this that would be great.

C. SOUNDPROOFING THE FLAT:
Ok I live in an old, quiet building with sound concious neighbors. One of em is a bat I think.

I've got the doors insulated but I figure I should get some rugs or some rubber play flooring, I dont know what its called but its like a gigantic rubber puzzle with pictures and stuff.

I figure I'd hit Ikea or Walmart (please don't say E-bay, I just don't have the talent for it unfortunately) but if I go with rugs should I look for any special words on the kind of rugs...I know there is sometimes and issue with little kids and fumes from new carpets.

Okay, I think thats it for now peeps. Any pointers would be appreciated.

thanks

Ikea's good for kiddy proof things. U might not get everything you want, but u can get a lot. Look for the PATRULL range in the kids section

Think it is fab that you're even considering all these things, jml. Most people would just buy one of these:



*joking*
IKEA Kinderzubehör - Kindersicherheit should have what you are looking for. You might also want to think about socket covers for the electrics.

Thanks Pieman and Katrina. That Patrull brand looks just the ticket.

PS: Katrina. Great Idea. I do have one of those. For my personal use that is. Doesn't everybody. I guess I could share.

The things you are looking for generally fall under the category of "Kindersicherungen". Main things you'll be looking to make safe are the cleaning products cupboard (under the sink?) - a good way of locking double door cupboards (so maybe also your wardrobe depending on its handles are kind of oval shaped plastic things that connect the two handles together if you see what I mean.
Another things you might consider is making your plug sockets safe. Sure, at 3,5 she's no longer at the mad stick your fingers in plug sockets age, but bear in mind that plug sockets here look different from in the UK and the US, so she may simply not recognise them...

Being a Dad here of an 18 month old all I can say is, the best thing you need is a good pair of eyes!

Good luck!

...and a big pair of arms to cuddle them when thexy fall over as usual!

socket covers u can get in ikea

jml

I recommend that you make sure ALL pens, pencils, crayons, ink, Etc. are locked away safely. My flat is starting to look like it was raided by Jackson Pollack after a heavy drinking session

For hands and ankles

i just recently made my flat toddler safe and bought everything at Ikea. Now I just have the issue of toddler proofing myself. My 13 mo. old has taken to hurling hard objects at me such as the remote and her sippy cup. Gave me a nice bruise on the check this morning.

I believe I have seen some kiddyproof stuff at Müller near the babyfood. Not as good as Ikea, but a few items.

just borrow a toddler for a couple of hours then you'll see what needs doing.

dont forget to buy a night light for the bedroom and the toilet! so she can make out were everything is!

Hey peeps, thanks for all the suggestions. The IKEA stuff was first rate but a lot of seemed to be rather permanent. I ended up getting some cabinet/tur latches and foamy door stops at the Muller by Isartor. Nickys spot on their right in the kinder section and cheap. I did get from Ikea all sorts of cool kiddie things like plastic plates, cups, and utensils - with their bright cheerful colours she's not even interested in my boring china.

They arrived Thursday and Im already dead beat AND I'm drowning in imaginary tea.