You are moving into your new home and you have a little one, here are some tips and things to take into consideration to babyproof as you move in. Childproofing your home is essential to keeping your baby safe. Be prepared to childproof the nursery, bathroom, kitchen, fireplace, any area of your house that poses a threat to your baby. You might be surprised at how easy it can be for your little one to get themselves in trouble. It’s never too soon to start. You may be surprised at how soon your little one may be getting around and getting into things.
The Nursery
- The U.S. government unrolled new crib safety standards: no more drop-side cribs. Also, make sure your crib’s slats are 2 3/8 inches (or less) apart.
- Remove bumpers, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals from baby’s crib. They can actually suffocate your child. Mobiles with small hanging parts should also come out as soon as baby can pull themselves upright.
- When you think “childproofing,” those plastic outlet covers are probably one of the first to mind. What you may not know is they are proven choking hazards, so consider using sliding covers instead.
- A baby monitor is a must-have, but keep cords tightly wound and always away from the crib or choose a cordless monitor.
- Store toys in an open toy box so there’s no lid to slam baby’s fingers.
Livingroom/Common Area
- Coffee tables, TV stands, even window ledges offer plenty of sharp corners at eye level for someone 2 feet tall. Cushion edges with bumpers. Scan the room for breakables and move them to where baby can’t get them.
- Secure bookcases and other tall furniture to the wall with bolts or adjustable, locking furniture straps that attach to the wall and to the object to keep it from pulling it over.
- Keep cords from blinds tied up high or use cord cleats.
- Place TVs behind closed doors in an entertainment center or mount a flat-panel model to the wall.
- Baby gate is a must for any stairs, even it if just one step up or down.
- Shield your fireplace with a guard door and protect from sharp corners on brick or ceramic tile.
Kitchen
- Pet kibble is a choking hazard and an instant attraction to little ones, if left unattended, you can count on it ending up in baby’s mouth. Place bowls in an area where baby can’t get it or immediately put it up once your pet is done eating.
- Stove knobs are fun to twist, so keep them turned off with stove knob covers. An appliance lock on the oven door will ensure your little one doesn’t pull it down on themselves.
- Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher, so choose a dry-chemical extinguisher and keep it out of reach on a high pantry shelf, mounted to the wall or in a childproof cabinet.
- Under-sink cabinets are a typical place to store cleaning products, but with a baby in residence, you should move them out of reach, or invest in latches and locks to always keep the cabinet doors securely shut.
Bathroom
- Cover the tub spout to protect his head in case he falls.
- Test the water temperature before placing the baby in the tub. Set your water heater to 120 degrees or install an anti-scald device to the end of the bath spout and sink faucet.
- Safeguard from slips by using nonslip mats in and out of the tub as well as on any hard-surface floors near the bathroom.
- Install a toilet lock or so little fingers don’t get smashed, to protect from accidental drowning and to prevent any unsanitary exposure.
- If you don’t have an out-of-reach place to store medicines and supplements, invest in a lockable medicine safe