Baby Proofing

From very early on, our little munchkin has been very active. He’s always moving – flailing his arms, lifting his legs up and down, rolling over and now shimmying his way around in circles. He has recently figured out how to move himself around in order to reach toys on the other end of his large floor mat. It’s wonderful to see him developing so nicely but frightening to know that very soon he’ll be in full blown crawling (or maybe even walking) mode. We haven’t done anything to baby proof our house yet and with Brayden now shimmying his way over to play with the computer cord, I think we need to get started NOW.

As with everything else baby related, I’ve done a lot of research and found some really helpful tips. Below is the to-do list Andrew and I will be working to complete to ensure our home is as safe as possible for Brayden. Safety Superstore, here we come!

Stairways: Install baby gates at the top and bottom. Never use a pressure-mounted baby gate at the top of the stairs, because it may fail. Instead, opt for the wall-mounted variety.

Window blinds: Trim (or better yet, remove) cords altogether to make sure they will be out of reach for years to come.

Outlets: Insert plastic guards into all sockets below hip level. For often-used outlets, consider sliding outlet covers for easier access.

Doors: When baby starts walking, install knob guards on the bathroom door and any door leading outside.

Bathroom: A toilet seat lock is a must, but for further protection, always keep your bathroom door closed when possible. Faucet covers on the bathtub will keep baby’s mouth and head safe in case of a slip. Apply nonslip mats for extra precaution. And, of course, never leave your child unattended around water. To prevent burns, make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees or less.

Nursery: Lower crib. Once baby can get up on hands and knees, remove mobiles and anything else hanging above.

Kitchen: Install cabinet locks, door locks, and oven knob covers to make it impossible for a child to turn on the burners. Cook on the back burner when baby is present. Put adhesive locks on the refrigerator (and the freezer, if it’s within reach).

Sharp edges: On tables, countertops, and your bed, apply corner and table edge cushions to prevent head lacerations that often require stitches.

Electrical outlets: Hide behind furniture or cover with plastic caps.

Electrical cords: Wrap up the slack and place them out of reach. Try hiding them behind furniture.

Doors: Keep doors locked and make sure screens are locked and there are no holes or gaps.

Tables: Cover sharp corners with homemade or store-bought corner guards.

Floors: Keep floors clean and vacuumed. Small objects can end up in a small child's mouth and cause choking.

Furniture: Fix and repair all wobbly furniture and make sure all knobs are securely tight. Position furniture so that it can't be pulled over, and keep dresser drawers closed.

Garbage: Secure garbage behind a latched door or make sure it has a tight secure lid.

Other appliances: Install appropriate latches to any appliances in your little one's reach.