Looking for expert baby proofing tips to make your home safe for your crawler or toddler?
Most homes have lots of areas that can be dangerous for babies who are curious to explore.
Baby-proofing your home really isn’t necessary until your little one starts to attempt crawling.
By that point, you’d better have your home in baby-proof condition to protect your little one from danger.
Before you get to that point, it’s a good idea to get your home ready for your baby to explore.
What does baby proofing mean?
Baby proof just means that you will go around the house making unsafe objects safe or more safe for your baby.
That way they can grow, play, and explore your home while you have peace of mind as a parent that there is nothing dangerous they can get into.
How can I protect my baby from crawling?
Like it or not, your little one will learn to crawl sooner or later.
You can protect them as best you can by baby proofing your home. But, still stay vigilant for hazards. Especially if you have other young children that play with small toys.
Before you run to the store for baby proofing gear. See what you can get for free! Check out these free newborn samples for baby!
How can I safely proof my house with a baby?
Not sure what to do? Here are tips the experts recommend for baby-proofing your home.
Prevent electrical dangers
Outlet covers are must to keep curious fingers away. Duct tape will also work in a pinch.
While many new parents get the outlet covers, they forget about cords. Be sure to tidy them up and keep them out of reach.
Protect from sharp corners
All it takes is one little bump to the head on angular furniture for an emergency room visit.
Put foam bumpers on your sharp corners like the coffee table or nightstands to make any falls less dangerous.
Tie up window treatments
If you have blinds or window treatments that come with a cord, have the cord replaced or tie it up way out of reach.
This will prevent your little one from accidental strangulation.
A 10-year study was conducted that showed over 300 children under 3 years of age were strangled by window cords.
Lock all dangerous cabinets
Babies should be free to explore some cabinets, like the ones with a few old pots and pans or the plastic colander. This is great for growing their confidence, bravery, and creativity.
But for cabinets with chemicals or small parts they can choke on, use childproof locks. Check out some of our favorites below.
- Prevent finger slams
There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your baby slam her little fingers in a door.
Door bumpers are wonderful for preventing finger slams, which could be very painful and even result in a doctors visit.
Clamp the toilet
Do you want your little one reaching into the toilet to play with the water, or clogging it with toys?
Nope! I’ve been there… and it’s disgusting. *Palm to Face
Get a toilet clamp and it will keep overly curious toddlers away until it’s time for potty training.
Bolt your furniture
One of the most important baby-proofing things you must do is bolt any top-heavy furniture to the wall.
Dressers, nightstands, and changing tables are just a few examples of furniture that curious children can climb with deadly results should it tip over.
The US government actually started a campaign with lots of resources to help parents secure furniture and electronics at home. They report that a child dies from an unsecured, heavy object, every 2 weeks!
If you are a Southern California resident like me, this is especially important. Not just for babies, but all children. In the case of an earthquake securing heavy furniture can prevent injury to your little ones.
Check our favorite easy products to help you secure your heavy furniture and electronics!
Block the way
Baby gates are an ideal solution for keeping crawling babies and wobbly toddlers from getting into the kitchen or tumbling down the stairs.
You can also use them in a pinch to create a safe space where your child can play while you attend to other matters.
Playpens can be used when you are cleaning or rearranging things that can be dangerous for baby!
Use stove knob covers or locks
If you can’t seclude your kitchen from your little one’s entry, make sure that the knobs for your stove and oven are covered with protectors. Countless fires are started this way!
Gate your pool
Have a pool? Get a child-proof gate installed around it. If you live on the water, make sure there’s a fence to keep your child from wandering into it if they should somehow get out of the house.
Chain your doors
Any doors that lead to the outside should have a slide or chain lock installed. Kids learn very quickly how to unlock a deadbolt. Keep them from getting out once they get crafty.
What else can be done to keep my baby safe at home?
Even with all these baby-proof solutions in place there are still things you can do as a parent to make a safe home environment for your exploring baby or toddler.
- Speak with older siblings about baby safety
- Ensure older siblings are putting small toys away after playing with them (You may want to put these toys away until baby is older)
- Use a video baby monitor to watch your baby play in different rooms in the home or to check in on them while a sitter is watching them
- Make sure an adult is always present when your baby is playing near a pet or outside
- Check baby proof devices to make sure they are functioning properly every so often
- Remind kids and other family members to properly close doors, latches, and locks that baby could get into
- Utilize free baby samples and these baby saving tips to save money on baby proofing expenses!
The news is always full of sad stories about babies and toddlers that were injured or even killed because proper measures weren’t taken with baby-proofing. Using these tips will ensure you keep your child safe from harm.
What are your favorite baby proofing products? What things does your baby like to get into that they aren’t supposed to? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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