Baby Proofing Essentials

Bringing a new baby home is an exciting and life-changing experience. As your little one grows and begins to explore the world around them, it's crucial to ensure their safety by baby proofing your home. Baby proofing should ideally begin before your baby starts crawling or walking. Many parents underestimate how quickly their little one will become mobile. Preparing early gives you time to address potential hazards before they become an immediate concern. 

With our recent floor bed transition, toddler proofing Brooks’ bedroom was at the front of my mind, so I put together a few essential tips and recommendations to help you create a safe and secure environment for your baby or toddler to learn, explore, and play.

1. Secure Furniture

Heavy furniture, such as bookshelves and dressers, can tip over easily if a baby tries to pull themselves up on it. Use furniture anchors to secure these items to the wall and prevent accidents. Make sure heavy objects, like TVs and heavy picture frames, are securely mounted to the wall. Additionally, consider corner protectors to cover sharp edges on tables and countertops.

2. Lock Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinets and drawers in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of your home often contain cleaning products, sharp objects, and other potential dangers. Install childproof locks or latches to keep your baby out of these areas. Store cleaning supplies, medications, and other hazardous materials out of your baby's reach and in a locked cabinet.

3. Outlet Covers

Electrical outlets are fascinating to babies, but can be extremely dangerous. Use outlet covers or socket protectors to prevent your little one from sticking their fingers or objects into the outlets. If you have exposed power strips within baby’s reach, you can use covers for these as well.

4. Install Safety Gates

Safety gates are essential for blocking off staircases and rooms that are not baby-friendly. Make sure to choose gates that are securely anchored and difficult for a baby to open. We prefer the retractable ones that can be out of the way when not in use.

5. Baby-Proof Appliances

Secure ovens, stove tops, and other kitchen appliances with baby proofing products to prevent burns and injuries. Cover front-facing gas burner lighters with covers as well. When cooking, ensure that pot handles are turned inward or use back burners when possible to avoid hot items being pulled down.

6. Cord Management

Long cords from blinds or curtains can pose a strangulation risk. Use cord winders or tie cords up high and out of reach to prevent accidents.

7. Baby-Proofing the Bathroom

Keep the bathroom safe by locking medicine cabinets, securing toilet lids, and covering bathtub faucets with soft protectors to prevent head injuries during bath time.

8. Camera Monitor

Being able to see and hear your little one while they’re in their room is essential, especially when your toddler has greater access to their room like in the case of a floor bed. Just make sure to secure the cords out of reach from your baby or toddler. 

Baby proofing your home will likely be an ongoing process as your baby continues to grow and develop new skills. Nothing can replace the close supervision of a parent or caregiver, but taking the needed measures to make your home safer for your child will ultimately allow you to more confidently give your baby an increasing sense of independence. With these essential baby proofing tips in mind, you can create a safe and nurturing space for your little one to explore as they grow!

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