A Parent's Guide to Baby and Child Proofing

A Parent's Guide to Baby and Child Proofing

Before you have a baby, you have a big ol' to-do list that you work through, likely with the aid of your nesting instincts. Although some people baby-proof their living space well before the baby comes, others might buy the necessary products as baby grows. This is okay, but you want to make sure to prevent serious dangers before they become a real problem.

General baby proofing includes preventing:
  • Slipping and falling

  • Choking hazards

  • Sharp objects
Of course, you'll have to adjust your baby and child-proofing plans as your child grows, but here are some good places to start according to parents.com and Baby Center.

Before Baby

Make sure your house is a safe place for adults and infants, alike. Check your carbon monoxide levels, smoke alarms, and indoor air quality. It's probably a good idea to change your filters and get your ducts cleaned or inspected. Have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit for babies and adults. Make sure it includes a thermometer and the appropriate medications for infants. Put bumpers and protective shields on hard corners and surfaces, including coffee and end tables.

The nursery should only have the safest products and items. Consult the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about the latest crib and bassinet safety guidelines. Blinds shouldn't have long cords. Make sure to install universal outlet covers. Make sure doors have pinch guards to protect from getting fingers slammed or caught in doors.

Any household cleaning products, medications, or other poisons should be put well away and behind child-proofed cabinets. Small items should also be moved to prevent choking hazards.

Before Crawling

It's best to think about childproofing in advance, and specifically. Consider each room and its potential hazards before investing in the necessary products.

Bathroom

  • Spout covers protect baby's head and body from bumps or bruises during bath time. It also doesn't hurt to invest in a burn-preventing spout cover Moby Bath Spout Covers - Sky Blue
    Moby Bath Spout Covers - Sky Blue
  • Drain covers can prevent baby's fingers getting stuck or playing with an undesirable area

  • Bath treads or a bathtub mat help with non-slip safety once your baby grows out of the infant bath

  • Use 2-3 inches of warm water between 96-100 degrees Fahrenheit

  • Never leave baby unattended, even for a few seconds

  • Lock toilet seats and remove toiletries from lower levels

Kitchen

  • Adjustable and sturdy baby gate to prevent entrance to the kitchen
  • Oven and dishwasher locks
  • Protected cabinet edges and locks on cabinets as needed
  • Small appliances inaccessible to children
  • No reachable cutlery
  • Secured fridge
  • Clear of choking hazards

Bedrooms

Peggy 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
Peggy 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
  • Crib safety
  • Cordless blinds
  • Window guard installed
  • Secured dresser
  • Breakables high and out of reach

Toddler Childproofing

All of the above-mentioned precautions are appropriate for toddler childproofing, but you will also want to take a closer look at the following areas and items:

Living Room

  • Frames and keepsakes up and away to prevent breakage and glass
  • Mounted TV to prevent it from being pulled down on toddler
  • Hidden power strips
  • Covered and secured fireplace
  • Secure battery covers on all remotes/consoles
  • Corner guards on coffee table and other furniture
  • Door handle guards for off-limits areas
  • Locks on under-the-sink cabinets and other areas with toxic products
  • No loose plastic bags anywhere in the home to prevent suffocation

As you follow the above guidelines, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble and worry. People constantly worry about the safety of their children out in public or traveling, but the truth is that many real dangers exist in your home. Make sure that you prepare for baby with any necessary childproofing steps, and that you continue to adjust your childproofing as needed throughout the mischievous toddler years.

Don't worry about things you can't control, but do your best to keep your home a safe place for your child. You'll also save yourself a lot of panic, and hopefully not have to chase your kids away from unsafe areas all the time, so it's a win-win. Good luck!

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