If you are a new parent, baby-proofing is a rite of passage. You will want to baby-proof your home before your child starts to crawl. You will be surprised at how quickly your sleepy newborn transforms into a toddler who runs and climbs everywhere possible.
How to Baby Proof Your Home: 5 Tips for New Parents
Whether it’s blocking the staircase or anchoring furniture, these tips will help keep your baby safe and you sane. Here is everything you need to know about baby-proofing your house.
1. Baby Proofing House Stairs
The stairs will be their first conquest when your baby is first learning how to crawl and stand up. Climbing the stairs will become one of their favorite activities. A Baby Dan stair gate will block off the stairs safely, so they can’t access them without you.
You might step away to grab something, and your little gymnast could be halfway up the stairs. A stair gate will give you peace of mind and keep your little one from falling down the stairs.
2. Childproofing House Electrical Outlets
Babies love electrical outlets no matter how dangerous or mundane they seem. Sticking stuff inside of them and pushing buttons is all too appealing to a curious mind. Covering your electrical outlets will help make sure little hands cannot get inside.
Several different types of covers will do the job. The plug and pull covers are sufficient for areas that are not used often. The sliding covers are a great option in outlets that get used often. These covers slide over, allowing you to plug in when needed. The cover stays on, so no dangerous plug can be forgotten on the floor.
3. Lock Cabinets
One of the first things you should baby-proof is your kitchen cabinets. Glass dishes and babies don’t mix. Outside the kitchen, you should lock bathroom cabinets and store household cleaners anywhere.
Household cleaners contain dangerous toxins. Things such as laundry detergent, gardening supplies, and disinfectants should all be locked away.
4. Anchor Furniture
Do not forget your furniture when you go to baby-proof your home. While it does not seem possible that your sweet baby will climb your bookcase, it is. You never know what a baby will use as a playground.
To be safe, anchor any heavy, climbable furniture to the wall. Dressers in your child’s room are especially dangerous. They may climb on them while you are sleeping, pulling the dresser on top of them. Most children’s furniture will come equipped with anchors for this purpose. You can always find these easily at hardware stores as well.
5. Baby Proof Home Windows and Doors
Kids are mini escape artists. Ensure you install child locks on your doors before your child can reach them. Several different options can cover the door handle or add an extra lock. It can also be helpful to remove the lock on their bedroom door, so they cannot accidentally lock themselves in.
Open windows can also be dangerous. Make sure your window screens are secured. Blinds with long cords should also be tied up or secured. A child can strangle themselves unknowingly with a window cord. Keep their crib away from windows to keep them safe while they sleep.
How to Baby Proof Your Home 101
Knowing how to baby-proof your home will keep your baby safe and give you much-needed peace of mind. Raising children is stressful enough without worrying they are climbing the stairs or getting into bleach.
Keep your child safe by installing a few straightforward safety measures. Your home will be a much safer place for your precious new roommate. For more tips and resources, visit the parenting section.