How to Baby Proof Your Home
Babies are frail little creatures, and you do everything to protect yours from the outside world. Little do you know that there are numerous hazards found within your home, too. If you want to protect your darling as much as possible, here are some helpful tips on how to baby proof your home.
What You’ll Need:
Decals
Doorknob covers
Window guards
Toilet locks
Plastic plugs for electrical outlets
Fireplace cover
Safety gate
Doors And Windows
Always keep doors closed and locked.
For doors to rooms that you don’t want your child to access, put doorknob covers on them.
If you have sliding glass doors at home, put decals on them. This way, your child won’t accidentally run into them.
Never place your baby’s bed, highchair, crib or playpen anywhere near blind cords.
Adjust your windows so they won’t be opened for more than six inches. You can also install window guards.
If your blinds or curtains have cords, tie them up, so your child won’t be tangled in them.
Furniture that can be climbed on shouldn’t be placed near a window.
For low windows or French doors, install safety glass, so if a child falls into them, they won’t shatter.
Electricity
If possible, cover all or most of your electrical outlets with furniture.
Crawling toddlers can stick their fingers in exposed electrical outlets. Avoid this by covering electrical sockets with plastic plugs. You can also use safety plugs that work by snapping into the outlets.
Fireplace
Kids that learn to crawl or walk can run a risk of tripping or falling in a fireplace. Install a ready-made and cushioned fireplace cover which you can put around the hearth, so babies won’t go near them.
Even if you have this cover already, never leave your child unattended in a room with a burning fireplace. You can never tell when something will go wrong.
When there’s no fire lit, cover sharp fireplace edges with quilts, foam rubber, throw pillows or blankets
Furniture
Always keep drawers closes so your baby won’t climb or shut their fingers on them.
Rickety and unstable furniture must be thrown out or replaced. Your baby might pull them over and it’ll fall on them.
High bookcases and other tall furniture must be fastened to the wall, so the child can’t pull them down.
Store all your cleaning products and medications in a locked cabinet, so your child won’t accidentally spill or drink them.
Cupboard should be secured with childproof locks.
Bathroom
Never leave your child unattended in the bath. A young child can drown even in just a few inches of water.
Keep away electrical items, such as hairdryers and electric shavers, away from the bath tub or shower area.
Purchase and install toilet locks.
Turn down the water temperature on your heater. Keep it at at least 110 Fahrenheit.
Stairs
Once your baby starts drawling, install a safety gate at the bottom of the stairs. You can also place on at the door of his bedroom, so he won’t get out into the hallway. Don’t put the gate at the top of the stairs, since some babies climb up them and their fall becomes worse.
Don’t leave anything on the stairs that you can trip on when you’re carrying your child.
Appliances
Take away refrigerator magnets. They can fall off, and are too small, enough to make your baby choke if he accidentally puts it in his mouth.
As much as possible, use your back burners for cooking. Also, don’t let your baby play or walk around at your feet while you cook.
Turn the pots and pans’ handles so they face the back of the counter or stove.
Don’t leave your cooking (boiling pots and sizzling skillets) unattended.
Plug-in appliances, like can openers and toasters, must be put out of your child’s reach.
Keep your little angel safe at all time by following these simple tips. Remember, accidents happen, but many can be prevented.