Babyproofing your whole home may feel overwhelming, but it can be broken down into small chunks if you handle it room by room. Baby gates should be your first priority since they are the best method to keep your crawling child safe. The next step is to clean the house. All plants, hard sweets, and other breakable objects should be removed and stored away.
There’s no replacement for your eagle-eyed monitoring, even if you have babyproofed your house. Kids are remarkably inventive when it comes to getting into trouble. Make sure you have all the necessary safety measures in place and your home’s repairs and renovations are up to date when it comes to babyproofing the home.
1. First aid
Infant CPR training and a well-stocked first aid kit (containing bandages, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers) are a must-have for when you are babyproofing your home.
2. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Test yours at least once a month to ensure that the batteries are fresh or that they are completely charged. Replace batteries once a year (or when the devices indicate that a new battery is needed).
3. Furniture mounts
Secure heavy furniture like TVs, dressers, and bookshelves to the wall using mounting hardware and safety straps to prevent them from toppling over and tumbling into your young climber.
4. Outlet covers
Small children and pets are at risk of electrocution if they get their hands on electrical outlets. Outlet covers are a great tool for babyproofing your home.
5. Cabinet lock
Many people keep poisonous bathroom cleansers and other tiny gadgets, such as hair dryers, in this cabinet, so place a cabinet lock on it.
6. Medication
Keep medicines, cosmetics, shampoo, soap, mouthwash, and toothpaste out of the reach of children by locking them away in a safe place.
7. Garbage can
Inquisitive youngsters enjoy sifting through and maybe sampling the contents of garbage cans. There is a simple solution: Put it in a locked cabinet or a high shelf.
8. Sharp objects
A safety latch should be used to keep knives out of the reach of children, and they should be placed in a high cabinet or a drawer with a safety latch. Never leave a knife on the counter or table. You should also keep sharp-edged items, such as food processors, locked away and out of the reach of your child.
9. Lock cabinets
When it comes to keeping toxic substances out of the hands of children, a lock should be set on the under-sink and other cabinet areas. Store these home items in secured, high-up cabinets for additional security.
10. Unplug appliances
Get rid of the cables for all of your kitchen appliances if you don’t plan on using them for any length of time. Be on the lookout for hanging cables from windows or appliances as well.
11. Clear the edge
Avoid using tablecloths and keep hot meals and beverages off the counter edges where they might burn your infant. This is an important step to babyproofing your home.
12. Window guards
Install metal window guards with bars no more than four inches apart that screw onto the window frame’s sides.
13. Fireplace
Never leave your child alone in a room with a fireplace that is on. Glass and screen doors don’t provide the greatest safety because of the dangers of hot glass, the potential for screens to fall out, and the potential dangers of heavy, sharp fireplace items.
14. Corners of the table
Make sure to protect the corners of your coffee and end tables, as well as the hearth of your fireplace, by cushioning them.
15. Dresser
Baby’s dresser and any other heavy furniture that could fall over should be firmly fastened to the wall.
16. Toybox
For safety reasons, it’s preferable to choose an open toy box or basket instead of one with a lid. This reduces the risk of curious toddlers becoming trapped inside or their fingers getting pinched between the hinges.
17. Window blinds
Blinds for the nursery should include cables that are safe for little hands. As a general rule, keep your baby’s crib away from windows. It’s important to keep an eye on your child when babyproofing your house, but it’s also a great opportunity to educate your child that certain things are off-limits.
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