Here comes baby! Congratulations on bringing a little one into the world. With a baby comes all those soft and cuddly feelings along with fuzzy blankets and plush stuffed animals. Once the nursery is ready it’s time to begin baby proofing because chances are the rest of your home isn’t quite as soft and fuzzy as the baby’s room.
Get a Head Start on Baby Proofing
It may seem odd to baby proof your home when your baby can’t even roll over yet but you’ll be surprised at how soon she’ll be getting around and getting into things. Time flies so it’s never too soon. Take the time to baby proof when your little one is still brand new or even before she arrives.
Tie It Down
Once your baby is moving about, she’ll be using anything she can to pull herself up. This includes large furniture like TV’s, dressers and bookshelves. Make sure to secure your TVs and furniture just in case. Use furniture straps to hold any heavy furniture in place in any rooms where your child might be left alone, even for a minute. Tip: Don’t put a TV on top of a dresser as the drawers can be used for climbing. Also, make sure to put corner or edge bumpers on any furniture with sharp edges.
Prevent Potty Problems
You might not see your toilet as a hazard but the water in it and the toilet lid can be a danger for a curious child. So to prevent any problems, remember to always keep toilet lids down and secured with a lid lock. It’s also a good habit to remember to keep all bathroom doors closed.
Control Your Cords
Use cord holders to keep longer cords fastened against walls. That way, your little one can’t tug on a tangle of computer cords and other electrical wiring. You can also use moving tape to tape the cords together for a low cost solution. This could keep your baby safe from electrical hazards or heavy equipment that falls after a couple of tiny tugs.
Prevent Shocks
Put outlet covers on all exposed electrical sockets to keep your little one from getting an electric shock. Some small outlet covers can be a choking hazard if a baby or toddler pries them out of the wall. Look for “childproof” covers that require two hands to remove or cover plates that screw on. For double protection, place large furniture in front of outlets.
Lock It Up
Protect curious kids from household cleaners and other chemicals by storing those items in locked cabinets or installing safety latches that lock when you close the cabinet door. Do the same for any low cupboards that hold risky items like small appliances. For added safety, store hazardous items up high and far away from small fingers.
Limit Baby’s Movement
If there are some rooms you don’t want to baby proof or that hold fragile items, use baby gates to keep your little one from getting into them. Also, install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs before your baby gets mobile. Look for gates that attach securely to the wall but won’t pinch small fingers.
Choose a Safer Toy Box
Choose a toy box with a safe design. Avoid big, heavy containers with hinged lids that can slam down on baby’s fingers. You want one with a light, removable lid. If yours has a hinged top, make sure it has lid support that can prop the lid open. Pick a toy box with ventilation holes or a gap beneath the lid just in case your baby climbs in. For a low cost option consider a file box which is made out of cardboard and has a lightweight lid.
Get Your Child’s Point of View
The best way to baby proof is to see things the way your baby does. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around. What’s at baby’s eye level and within easy reach? Kids can be curious about anything they see like computer cords and glassware on low shelves. You might not notice breakable or hazardous items when you’re towering above them.
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Do you have any tips to share on baby proofing? Let us know in the comments below!