Once the baby arrives, it’s easy to see just how much trouble they can get into when they start crawling or walking. The best way to make sure the home is safe is to get on their level and see what might look interesting to a baby. Today, there are numerous products designed to make the home baby-friendly and to help keep the baby safe as they grow and learn more about the environment around them.
Have Safe Places for the Baby
Always make sure there’s a safe place for the baby to be when your hands need to be free. A baby swing is typically well-received by babies and can be a great place to put them while you finally sip that cup of coffee you made an hour ago. Pack ‘n plays and similar products are also a great way to contain the baby when needed, but make sure they’re always under supervision.
Keep Bathrooms Secured
Bathrooms should be secured at all times to keep the baby out. Along with the risk of drowning, babies can flush things down the toilet, causing a huge plumbing bill, or end up burning themselves by turning on the hot water and splashing it or putting their hand in it without knowing it’s hot.
Keep Them in The Crib – Or Get a Toddler Bed
Once the child starts to climb, it’s probably time to move them to a toddler bed. There’s no set age for moving from the crib to the toddler bed, but experts agree it should be done before the kid can climb out. They can easily fall when trying to get out on their own, while they are less likely to get hurt if they get in and out of a toddler bed at night.
Use Safety Straps on Heavy Furniture
Heavy furniture can cause severe injuries or death if it tips over on the child. Safety straps are available for almost any type of furniture, from dressers to bookshelves and TVs. Purchase as many straps as needed and make sure all furniture that could be tipped over or that is heavy will be mounted to the wall.
Cover Outlets Not in Use
Outlets look interesting to someone too little to know what they are. Many kids end up shocked because they decide to stick something into the odd-looking hole in the wall. If an outlet isn’t being used, make sure it is covered. Check out products designed to help keep things from being unplugged, as well, to make sure the child can’t get to any of the outlets.
Tie Up the Window Blinds Cord
The cords for blinds may not be something many parents think about, but it’s all too easy for a young child to end up tangled in them, and some have died as a result. Instead, tie up the cord to the blinds to keep it out of reach. If the budget allows, opt for cordless blinds throughout the house to eliminate this risk.
Block Off the Stairs
Stairs can be incredibly dangerous for babies, so make sure they’re baby-proofed. In two-story homes, have something to stop the kid from going up or down the stairs. For porches and decks, it may only be necessary to block the child from going down, as they’ll be supervised more closely if they’re playing in the yard.
Keep Cleaning Products Out of Reach
Many people set down cleaning products between working on different parts of the house or opt to place cleaning products under the kitchen sink. With a baby, doing either of these can be dangerous. Instead, make sure cleaning products are always out of reach for the baby, even if they’re being used, and that the child can’t get to them. Ready for the baby to clean? Use gentle products or just offer a rag with water. It’s not going to get deep stains, but they’ll get to practice cleaning without access to dangerous chemicals.
Stop Doors From Slamming
Most people have experienced a finger caught in the door. Whether the concern is kids catching their finger in the door or slamming the door to the home, there are products to help. A variety of products are designed to prevent the door from closing completely. The product can be removed easily when it’s not needed, but during the day, it can be kept in place to make sure little fingers are safe.
Are you starting to notice just how dangerous the house can be for a baby? There’s a lot for them to explore and do, but there are plenty of things that can harm them, as well. Make sure you’re ready for the baby by going through this list and baby-proofing the house. Once it’s more kid-friendly, you won’t have to worry as much about some of the more serious injuries that can occur in the home.
