Baby-proofing your house is all about making your home safe for your little one as they start to explore. Here’s a good mom’s guide to help you get started:
1. Anchor Furniture
- What you’ll need: safety clips
- Anchor heavy furniture: Attach bookshelves, dressers, and TV stands to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.
- Secure flat-screen TVs: Use a safety strap or a TV mount to prevent the TV from falling.
2. Use Baby Gates
- What you’ll need: baby gate
- Block stairways: Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Room dividers: Use gates to limit access to certain rooms or areas like the kitchen.
3. Cover Sharp Edges
- What you’ll need: corner protectors
- Corner and edge protectors: Apply foam or rubber corner protectors on tables, cabinets, and other furniture with sharp edges.
4. Outlet Covers
- What you will need: outlet covers
- Plug-in safety caps: Use outlet covers to prevent your baby from sticking fingers or objects into electrical outlets.
5. Lock Cabinets and Drawers
- What you’ll need: childproof locks
- Childproof latches: Install childproof locks on cabinets containing cleaning products, sharp objects, or any other dangerous items.
6. Keep Hazardous Items Out of Reach
- What you’ll need: cabinet locks
- Toxic products: Store cleaning supplies, medications, and any toxic substances in high cabinets or locked drawers.
- Small objects: Keep small toys, coins, or buttons out of reach to prevent choking hazards.
7. Secure Cords and Wires
- What you’ll need: cord cover box
- Cordless blinds or shades: Replace blinds with cords or secure the cords so your baby can’t pull them.
- Hide electrical cords: Use cord covers or tuck cords away to prevent them from being chewed or pulled.
8. Baby-proof the Kitchen
- What you’ll need: stove covers
- Stove knob covers: Install stove knob covers to prevent your baby from turning on the stove.
- Drawer locks: Use locks to secure utensil drawers, knife storage, and any other potentially dangerous kitchen items.
9. Bathroom Safety
- What you’ll need: toilet lid lock
- Toilet locks: Use a toilet lid lock to prevent your baby from opening the toilet.
- Non-slip mats: Place a non-slip mat in the bathtub to avoid slipping.
- Keep bath products out of reach: Store shampoos, soaps, and razors on high shelves.
10. Secure Windows
- What you will need: window guards
- Window locks or guards: Ensure windows are locked, and consider window guards to prevent falls.
- Get cordless blinds: and if you have them keep strings out of reach of pets and children. Huge strangulation risk.
11. Choose Safe Flooring
- Soft, cushioned surfaces: Consider adding area rugs or cushioned flooring in areas where your baby will spend time crawling or walking.
12. Baby Monitor
- Use a baby monitor: To keep an eye on your baby when you’re in another room.
13. Check for Small Gaps
- Fill in gaps: Inspect your home for any small gaps between furniture and walls, or around stairs. These can be a danger if your baby tries to climb or squeeze through.
14. Secure Doors and Windows
- What you’ll need: Lever door lock or circle door locks
- Lock windows and doors: Keep windows locked, or use window locks that are childproof to prevent them from being opened.
15. Prepare for Emergencies
- What you’ll need: first aid kit
- First aid kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kit accessible in case of an emergency.
- Know emergency numbers: Ensure you have the local emergency number programmed into your phone.