Babyproofing made easy: 10 tips to keep your baby safe
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Calling all new parents - we totally get it.
When you're a first-time parent, it's super easy to feel a little overwhelmed with the responsibility of keeping your little one safe.
Babyproofing your home may feel like yet another parenting challenge, but there are easy ways to ensure your home is a safe place. We've been thru it all, from reading the consumer product safety commission reports to learning about lead paint levels - so we're breaking down 10 essential tips for easy babyproofing that will give you some peace of mind (and a few product recommendations to help make your home safe).
When should you start babyproofing?
Well, the truth is, there's no exact "one-size-fits-all" answer. Every baby is different and starts exploring at their own pace. But here's the scoop: it's never too early to think about babyproofing. As soon as your little bit starts showing signs of mobility - like rolling or crawling - it's time to kick your babyproofing game into high gear.
Trust us; those curious little hands can find their way into everything faster than you can say, "Oh no!" Don't wait until your mini adventurer is already scaling the furniture like a tiny ninja. Get a head start and start babyproofing bit by bit, room by room, to keep your explorer safe from any potential hazards.
What's the number one thing to keep in mind when planning your babyproofing?
This may come as no surprise, but one of the greatest hazards for babies in a home are small objects that can be easily grabbed by little hands. Why? They can transform in an instant into an immediate choking hazard. Babies have a natural curiosity and tend to explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths. This makes small objects like coins, buttons, beads, and even small toys extremely dangerous for them.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant in keeping small objects out of reach and regularly scanning for any potential hazards. So creating an environment free of small choking hazards will be the best way to significantly reduce the risk of choking incidents and ensure the safety of small children.
Babyproofing made easy in 10 tips
Tip #1: Install safety gates
Invest in a sturdy pressure-mounted gate or other baby gate to block off top of the stairs (and bottoms too!), doorways, and other areas that may pose a risk to your baby's safety. Make sure the gates are properly secured and easy for adults to open. Also a good idea: Convey to sitters or guests the importance of closing gates behind themselves to keep everyone safe.
Tip #2: Secure electrical outlets
Electrical outlets are huge potential hazards for curious little ones. Use outlet covers or plugs to prevent your baby from sticking their fingers or objects into sockets. Remember to choose outlet covers that are difficult for young children to remove (what's funny is some are made so well, they can also be a challenge for adults!).
Tip #3: Lock up potential hazards
Babies are naturally curious and love to explore. Take time to identify potential hazards such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and medicines. Secure cabinet doors and drawers with childproof cabinet locks and drawer locks to keep items out of reach.
Tip #4: Anchor furniture to the wall
Avoid accidents caused by toppling furniture by anchoring heavy items like bookshelves and dressers to the wall. Use furniture straps or L-brackets to secure them, ensuring stability even if your little one decides to climb or pull on them. (CityMom tip: Don't forget to do the same for the changing table!)
Tip #5: Cover sharp corners
Young children learning to walk can easily bump into sharp corners on tables, counters, and furniture. Protect them from potential injuries by using corner guards or covers, which provide a cushioned barrier between your baby and any sharp edges - a coffee table or kitchen counter are the best places to start.
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Tip #6: Use cord shorteners
Long cords from window blinds and curtains can be a strangulation hazard for babies not only in the living room but in every room. Use cord shorteners or tie cords up high and out of reach to eliminate this as a risk.
Tip #7: Pay special attention to the bathroom
This is one of the single most hazardous rooms in the house from the dangerous objects that can be found in bathroom cabinets to potential hazards when babies are around even a few inches of water in the toilet or bathtub. Grab a toilet lock, install safety locks for bathroom cabinets, and keep corded items like curling irons or hair dryers tucked out of reach.
Tip #8: Cover radiators and heat sources
Radiators and other heat sources can cause burns or injury if touched by wandering tiny hands. Install covers or barriers to prevent direct contact and keep your baby safe from burns.
Tip #9: Utilize door stoppers
Doors can be a common source of accidents for young children who may get their fingers caught. Use door stoppers to prevent doors from slamming shut, reducing the risk of injury. Speaking of doors, adding a door knob cover also prevents little fingers from opening/closing doors as well.
Tip #10: Ensure proper ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. Install window guards that prevent your baby from opening windows too wide. Use window stops to limit how far windows can be opened, ensuring a safe airflow while keeping your little explorer secure.
SAVE TIME - WE’VE DONE THE RESEARCH:
Wait, there are babyproofing services?
You bet: these service companies are designed to help you create a safe and secure environment for your family by offering in-home consultations, recommendations for safety products, and, sometimes, same-day professional installations. While we couldn't find any that have a national presence, here are some with services (hopefully) near you to consider:
Baby Safe Homes: Serving Arizona, California, Colorado, and SW Ohio
Baby Bodyguards: Serving NYC
Safety Matters: Serving the Chicago area
Remember, every baby and home is one-of-a-kind, so feel free to tweak these measures to fit your own needs. With trusty baby gates, electrical outlet covers, and proactive steps in place, you'll create a safe haven where your child can roam, discover, and flourish without any worries.
WATCH THIS: We chatted the hottest new baby products on IndyNow.
