Key points:
- Childproof your home by addressing furniture with sharp edges and hard corners, especially coffee tables.
- Secure electrical outlets with sliding panels or safety plugs to prevent accidents.
- Babyproof windows with locks and secure cords to prevent climbing hazards.
- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, carpet stairs if possible, and avoid small objects on the floor.
We’ve previously discussed that since your baby is now on the move, making your home a safe space is very important. Check part 1 of this article if you’ve missed it!
Check your home for furniture pieces with hard edges and sharp corners. Coffee tables are a particular hazard so, if possible, move this furniture out of reach. Since your little one will want to explore every part of the house and still doesn’t understand the concept of safety, you might consider buying some cornered guards or smooth edge protectors to stick onto the furniture, this way you can prevent bumps or bruises.
Electrical outlets are something children get curious about, so use sliding panels or safety plugs that are not a choking hazard to prevent your child from sticking their finger or toy in there. Keep computers out of reach to prevent them from pulling it over themselves and put away or hide all electrical cords.
If you have any windows that are reachable for them, consider childproofing locks and do not place any furniture they could climb onto nearby. If your windows have blinds with cords, attach them to floor mounts that hold them firm, wrap them around wall brackets, cut them or tie them to keep them out of reach. Pay close attention to plastic bags: avoid leaving them lying around the house or using them to put away clothes or toys. Dry-cleaning bags can also be dangerous, so knot them before you throw them away so that it’s impossible for your child to crawl into them.
For some reason babies seem to always head for the stairs as soon as they learn how to crawl. If you have stairs, carpet them if possible. Be sure the carpet is firmly tacked down at the edges. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Gates that can be screwed into the wall offer the best protection. Avoid pressure or tension gates and accordion style ones; they can be pushed out of place and can easily trap an arm or neck. If you have hardwood floors, don’t let your child explore around in socks since they can slip when trying to pull themselves up. Once they get going, they’ll want to be crawling around all the floors, so make sure to always check for any small objects your child might swallow.
Some houseplants may be harmful too, so try to avoid or keep them out of reach. Alcohol and unprescribed medicines can be very dangerous for your little one; keep all alcoholic beverages and medicines in a locked cabinet and remember to empty any unfinished drinks immediately. Any supplements, hygiene, and cleaning products within your child’s reach should also be secured with a childproof lock. If you want to keep a room altogether out of their reach (like the pantry or garage), use doorknob locks.
Through your loving dedication and care, you are making your baby’s environment safe, supporting their growing skills and development.
