The Do's and Don'ts of Baby-Proofing Your Home

Having a baby in the house is a great thing, but it comes with the responsibility of making sure that the baby is safe. It is very important to baby proof the house so as to avoid accidents and to make the environment more safe for the baby. Here are some tips based on my personal experience that you can use as a guide to help you with baby proofing your home and also through this stage in your parenting journey.

The Do’s of Babyproofing

• Furniture and appliances should be locked up. Babies love to touch and explore their surroundings and this often results in accidents. Use furniture anchors to prevent heavy items like bookshelves, dressers and TVs from tipping over.

• Cover up the electrical outlets. One thing that is really interesting to a child is to stick their fingers into small spaces. To avoid electrical hazards and prevent shocks use outlet covers or sliding outlet plates.

• Install Baby Gates. Some rooms and staircases are major risks and should therefore be guarded. Put up strong baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and at the entrance to certain rooms to keep the baby contained.

• Lock Cabinets and Drawers. Use safety locks on cabinets and drawers especially those that have cleaning products, sharp tools or medicines. This will stop accidental poisonings and injuries from happening.

• Use Corner Guards. Crawling and new walkers are at risk of getting bruises and cuts on sharp furniture edges. Protect these areas with corner guards to prevent bumps and bruises.

• Do not leave small objects within the child’s reach. Babies put everything into their mouth when they are exploring the world. For this reason, ensure that small items like coins, buttons and batteries are out of the child’s reach to avoid choking.

• Secure Windows and Cords. Use window guards or stops to prevent falls and use cordless window coverings to avoid the risk of strangulation from blind cords.

• Check Water Temperature. Babies have sensitive skin and hot water can cause burn. Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower and always test the bathwater before putting your baby in it.

• Keep Hazardous Items Locked Away. Put chemicals, medications and other toxic materials in uppermost cabinets that are locked to keep them from being taken or used accidentally.

• Supervise and alter with their Growth. Baby proofing is not a one time job. As your baby becomes more active, it is important to go back through the house and identify other dangers and make changes where necessary.

The Don’ts of Babyproofing

1. Do not leave any small spaces unrested. Babies can easily get stuck in small spaces. Check for any spaces between the furniture and the wall and block them as necessary.

2. Do not use unfilled rugs. Unsecured rugs are a danger to both the baby and the parents since they can easily cause someone to fall. Fix them with non-slip pads or just throw them away.

3. Do not put heavy things on tables or shelves. Babies love to pull on tablecloths and cords. Do not place heavy things or hot beverages on tables which can be easily pulled down by the child.

4. Do not use old safety products. Safety standards change with time. It is important to use the current babyproofing products that have been certified to meet the current safety standards.

5. Do not forget to baby proof the bathrooms. Bathrooms are the most risky places which are full of potential hazards – from the slippery floor to easily accessible toiletries. Always keep the toilet lid closed, do not use bath products that can be easily accessed and put non-slip mat in the tub.

6. Do not presume that pets and babies can always be friends. Even the most friendly of pets can be spooked by a baby’s movements and actions. Always watch your baby when it is with the pet to avoid it getting bitten or scratched.

7. Do not forget to block the doors. Accidental finger pinches are common. Use door stoppers or finger pinch guards to prevent your child from opening or closing the door and hurting his fingers.

8. Do not forget the outdoor safety. If you have a garden, make sure there is nothing in it that will be dangerous to a baby. Fence in the pool, put away tools, and get rid of poisonous plants.

9. Do not place heavy things on high shelves. Babies are very active and they tend to pull things down from their high places. Put heavy items in low places to decrease the chances of things falling on the child.

10. Do not miss the safety checks. As your baby develops, new dangers appear. It is important to check your house frequently for potential risks and change your baby proofing strategies accordingly.

Babyproofing your home requires careful planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a safer environment for your little one and gain peace of mind. Remember, the best form of babyproofing is supervision, so always keep a close eye on your baby as they explore their world!

Cheers to you!