Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned parent, baby proofing is a must for homes expecting a little one. Use these simple tips to keep your baby safe at home.
1. Furniture Anchors
Anchoring furniture to the wall is a must when it comes to home safety for your child. With over 14,700 children visiting the ER every year for furniture tip-over accidents, preventing a heavy bookcase or television from falling on your little one is crucial.
Instead of spending extra money on childproof-specific supplies, use simple L-brackets and screws. These brackets are much less expensive, are easy to find at any hardware store, and will prevent toddlers from pulling furniture down.
2. Baby Gates
Sometimes, the best way to baby proof a room is to limit access altogether. Baby gates let you set the rules when it comes to who’s allowed inside. If you don’t want to spend the time and money installing an expensive baby gate, there are plenty of ways to make your own! Consider using a blanket, old piece of wood, or even by moving a piece of furniture!
3. Cabinet Locks
Curious little ones may be eager to explore lower cabinets and drawers, but these often house dangerous items like cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and more.
Keep nosy babies out of your cabinets with a rubber band, hair tie, or yard stick. For cabinets with simple knobs, a rubber band or hair tie looped around two knobs makes a quick lock that’s still easily accessible for adults. For cabinets with pull handles, wedge a yardstick between both doors to lock in place.
4. Cover Corners
Babies often use coffee tables and similar surfaces to pull themselves up when learning to stand and walk. However, tables may have sharp, hard corners that can injure a baby if they bump their head.
Protect your little one with an easy DIY solution: an old tennis ball. Just cut a slit into the ball and push it into the corner of the table. For extra security, tape it in place using duct tape.
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