Babies are fragile beings and are not yet mature enough to be aware of what poses a hazard for them or not. That is why parents always need to be attentive, mainly because of their safety. We know that many parents are not sure what to leave or take away from their homes to make it safer for their children. It is necessary to be attentive to the small details because that’s where accidents happen. So, we will give you some tips to help baby proofing your home so you can feel confident and more secure regarding your baby’s safety.
1. Allow your baby to stay on the floor and join them
Letting your baby crawl around the house helps you see which objects they can reach and which they cannot. For example, when crawling around the room, you will see they can reach the glass ornaments, and break. Electric sockets, with a high risk of electrocution, require protective covers on them. When you join your baby on the floor, you will have your baby’s view and what it is in their reach that you may not even think about and that will allow you to tackle those danger points yourself.
2. Block the stairs
If you have stairs around the house, it is ideal to place security gates at both ends of the stairs and always at a height that the baby cannot reach, especially from the opening. If you have pressure gates, be careful, depending on the baby’s weight, it is possible for them to move the gate. Therefore gates that are screwed to the wall are a safer choice.
3. Hide cables
Check if there are any cables close to the baby; computer, TV, phone chargers, etc. you must keep them out of reach of the baby, including baby monitors and noise machines in the nursery. You can try to minimize the number of cables and wires in the house by opting for devices that use wireless connections when possible. Beware of blind cords too, especially if they are close to the crib, or places where your child usually naps or plays.
4. Protect large and heavy furniture
Babies, when they start to crawl, are always picking up objects and climbing on things. Keep an eye on them; take away very heavy objects that can hurt your baby if they try to pick it up. Also, check that furniture, such as dressers, bookshelves, media center is mounted to the walls, as well as the appliances. Watch out for drawers when your little one starts to open and climbing them, as they can also cause fatal accidents when flipped.
5. Catch any potential risks
Balcony, garage, office, kitchen, and bathrooms are rooms that can have furniture, appliances, and many objects that can be dangerous or cause some harm to your child. Any items that contain chemicals such as cleaning products, stationery, dyeing, large and heavy objects, represent a danger. Or ones that are too small and pose choking hazards should also be removed; It is very important to remove all of these potential hazards from the baby’s reach, keeping them in a high and safe place or, if lower spaces with baby-proof locks. Another important danger that can be overlooked is the windows. Most places come with screens but not all of them are properly attached and can be easily removed by a child. Make sure screens are installed correctly as they can not only prevent falls but also bugs and deadly mosquitoes.
6. Protect all corners and outlets
Sharp corners on tables, chairs, and other types of furniture are dangerous and your baby can get hurt on them frequently; put something to cover them to the point that there is no risk to your little one. We mentioned earlier how important is to get on the floor to get a different perspective of danger – so pay close attention to outlets lower in walls. Place outlet covers in them that make it difficult for the baby to remove.
7. Teach how to walk safely
As soon as your baby starts to walk, teach them to go up and downstairs; when doing so, show them how to hold on to the handrail, watch the steps and take one by one safely, without running. Watch out for socks on slippery hardwood floors as well as rugs that can make you fall or trip. Opt for non-slip socks for your new walker, the ones that have the rubbery print or drawing on the bottom of the feet.
8. Don’t leave your baby alone
Even newborns can turn to their side or turn over, even if accidentally. Therefore, do not allow your baby to be alone in the bathtub, changing table, or any other place, like a car for example. If you need to do something, take your little one with you. Do not leave your baby anywhere alone, especially in the places mentioned above.
9. Make sure the products you use on the baby are safe
When choosing products for your baby, make sure to check for seals of approval from credible entities. Always check whether there is an expiration or discard date and the method of use/application. Check to see if there are any loose parts, sharp edges or damaged paint in toys or infant seats and activity chairs/gym. Be sure to register the product as soon as you purchase, so, in case of a recall, manufacturers are required to contact consumers who have purchased these products and they would be able to contact you.
Other important tips:
- Avoid foods such as pitted grapes, peanuts, hard candies, before the age of two;
- Always feed your infant while sitting up, do not allow your child to move around with food in their mouth.
- Be careful with loose parts of toys, or pieces that come out easily. They could hurt your child and also pose a risk of choking depending on their size.
- Look through clothes to see if there are any loose parts or anything that could get tangled around the baby’s neck or fingers. Pay attention to buttons that may be coming off.
- When changing or bathing your newborn, be aware of your own hair. It is common to find parents’ hair strands around the little fingers and in the diaper area and care must be taken so that they do not stop blood circulation.
