Baby Proofing and Beyond!

Posted by Elizabeth on August 26, 2011

All new parents know that with the joy of parenthood comes the worry for your child’s safety. As if having a child isn’t exciting enough, moving into a new home with a small child brings its own set of concerns. Baby proofing: a precautionary action taken by parents that makes their home “safer” for their child. Potentially you could baby proof your entire house, but bubble wrap isn’t that visually appealing, so instead opt for the following options!

Think about the big picture. First and foremost: check the basics. That means checking smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, putting child safety gates at or near staircases and covering all exposed electrical outlets with plastic caps. Once you’ve covered the essentials, move on to the rest of the house by securing all loosely attached wires and electrical equipment to ensure your child doesn’t get into them and secure all common areas by moving heavy, highly placed objects out of your their reach.

There are two key rooms in a house that require “special attention” when it comes to baby proofing: the kitchen and the bathroom.  In the kitchen, latch all cabinets and drawers that house items that contain harmful products such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects and choking hazards; stove-knob covers are an essential investment to ensure your child doesn’t turn on the stove. Additionally, non-skid rugs will make this space safer. In the bathroom, remember a toilet lock, medicine cabinet lock and non-skid rug.

We understand that parents have a lot on their plate, even more so when they are in a new home environment. These simple baby-proofing tips are a great starting point for creating a safe environment for your children.  For more information on keeping your home a safe haven for your child, visit homesafetycouncil.org for tips, checklists and more.