What Is Baby Proofing, Is It Necessary?
You newborn may seem immobile, swaddled and sleepy now but soon they’ll be on the move once reaching the six month mark — and trust me, it happens fast. So make sure you are fully prepared well in advance to help prevent household-related injuries.
Baby proofing means taking steps to make your home safe for your baby by identifying and fixing potential hazards. Babies and young children love exploring their surroundings but may not be aware of the dangers that exist around them.
Baby proofing helps prevent accidents and injuries by making your home safer for your child.
Checklist: Where To Start Baby Proofing?
Here is a checklist of things you can do to help childproof your home:
Secure Furniture: Anchor heavy furniture and televisions to the wall to prevent tipping.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or safety plugs to prevent children from inserting objects into electrical outlets.
Gate Stairs: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.
Secure Cabinets and Drawers: Use safety locks and latches on cabinets and drawers that contain hazardous items such as cleaning products, medicines, and sharp objects.
Secure Windows: Install window guards or safety netting to prevent falls from open windows.
Keep Cords Out of Reach: Keep cords from blinds, curtains, and electronics out of reach to prevent strangulation.
Cover Sharp Edges: Use corner and edge bumpers to cover sharp edges on furniture and counter tops.
Check Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed and working properly in every room.
Keep Poisonous Plants Out of Reach: Remove any poisonous plants or keep them out of reach of children.
Secure Doors: Install doorknob covers or door locks to prevent children from accessing rooms or areas that are off-limits.
Lock cleaning supplies. Don’t forget to keep bleach and laundry pods (which are often attractive and colorful) out of reach as well!
Cover radiators and heating vents to prevent burn injuries.
Lock your liquor cabinet.
Block access to batteries, especially button batteries, which can cause serious injury or even death if placed in the nose or ears or when ingested.
Check for old chipping paint, this may happen in older homes mostly and can be a lead poisoning risk.
Store Firearms/Gun Safely: Keep firearms unloaded and stored in a locked cabinet or safe out of reach of children.
Remove Small Objects: Keep small objects, such as coins and small toys, out of reach of children to prevent choking.
Monitor Water Temperature: Adjust your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent scalding.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home.
Always supervise your children, even in childproofed areas. Remember, these measures are not foolproof, so always be vigilant and aware of potential hazards.
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