If you’re a new parent, babyproofing your house can be daunting because there are many potential dangers. Where do you even start? Here are ten tips and tricks to help you babyproof your home and give you peace of mind.
1. Babyproof Your Home: Get on Baby’s Level
Examining your living spaces from your hands and knees is the best way to see your home from a baby’s perspective and identify potential hazards. Look for sharp corners, loose cords, small objects that could be choking hazards, and electrical outlets that might attract the attention of a curious toddler.
2. Use Safety Gates to Babyproof Your Home
Install baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Small children begin to explore their surroundings as soon as they can crawl around. Gates help prevent your little one from taking a tumble on the stairs.
3. Lock the Doors
Put child-proof locks on all exterior doors of your home to keep kids from wandering off into the backyard or the street.
4. Babyproof Your Home: Store Chemicals Out of Reach
Keep all cleaning products and other chemicals out of reach. Securely store products that could be hazardous in high cabinets or a locked closet. Better yet, move them to another area of the house, like the garage.
5. Electrical Safety
Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers or plug guards. Covers are difficult for small children to remove and will help prevent electrocution and shocks.
6. Install Furniture Anchors
Anchor furniture to the wall to prevent it from tipping over. When toddlers learn to walk, they often use furniture to pull themselves up to a standing position. Use anchors to attach heavy shelves and changing tables to the wall to keep your little one safe.
7. Install Cabinet Locks to Babyproof Your Home
Children are curious and will explore every area of the home once they can move around. Install locks on kitchen and bathroom cabinets to keep small children out of these spaces. Cabinets often contain cleaning supplies and body care products that may be harmful if swallowed.
8. Add Window Guards
Test the locks on your windows to verify they are secure. Install window guards or grates on low windows your baby can reach. Grates will help prevent falls (and escape attempts).
Babyproofing your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming; just take it step-by-step once you know where to start. Follow these tips, and you’ll rest easy knowing that your home is a safe place for your family.
Libra Inspections offers home inspection services in Central Illinois. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re buying or selling a home.