Making your home safe and baby proof is an important task for any new parent. It’s easy to overlook potential hazards when you’re used to living in a space, but a little bit of effort can go a long way in keeping your little one safe. Here are some tips for baby proofing your home:
Cover Electrical Outlets
Electrical outlets can be a major hazard for babies, who may be tempted to stick their fingers or other objects into them. To prevent accidents, you can use outlet covers to block off access to the outlets.
Install Safety Gates
Safety gates, or baby gates, can be used to block off access to certain areas of your home, such as the kitchen or stairs. This is especially important if you have a multi-level home. Typically you want to prepare for this once your baby is beginning to crawl or walk.
Lock Up Chemicals
Keep all household chemicals, such as cleaning supplies and medications, out of reach of children. Many of them can cause irritation to skin, poisonous if ingested, or affect their eyes. This includes keeping them in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
Anchor Heavy Furniture
Furniture, such as bookcases and dressers, can tip over if not anchored to the wall. Make sure to secure any heavy furniture to the wall to prevent accidents. This can be done by screwing metal brackets into the wall on one side and the wall on the other.
Use Corner and Edge Bumpers
Babies are prone to bumping their heads on sharp edges and corners of tables, countertops, and other furniture. To prevent injuries, consider using corner and edge bumpers.
Keep Small Objects Out Of Reach
Keep small objects, such as coins, paper clips, and buttons, out of reach of babies. These can be a choking hazard if ingested or sharp to cause cuts and bleeding.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your little one safe and give yourself peace of mind. Happy baby proofing!
