Home Baby Proofing Ideas! Before you become a parent for the first time, you want to feel prepared for everything. Of course, a big part of this is baby-proofing your home with some baby proofing checklist. Now, for some of you, this may be unfamiliar territory. Additionally, some parents feel like baby-proofing isnโt that important since you can always keep an eye on your little one. But the reality of it all may be really shocking!
According to an interview with Kimberly Giuliano, MD, she reports that children are most likely to injure themselves at home. For instance, when theyโre in preschool or attending any sort of activity, a guardian always keeps a watchful eye on them. But, when youโre at home and have a minute for yourself, this is when children become most curious as no oneโs watching over them. In other words, they feel free to explore the world around them, thinking they can do whatever they want without any repercussions. You donโt need me to tell you fast things can go south!
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With that, I think weโre way far past the point of discussing whether baby-proofing is important or not. Instead, I will show you how you can become a master at it! In this blog, Iโll share some insightful baby-proofing tips and ideas. Hopefully, once youโre done, you wonโt feel the need to develop a hawkโs eye overnight!
When is the right time for Baby-Proofing?
Parenting can surely feel like a wild ride sometimes no matter how much you prepare. While at these times itโs best to strap on and enjoy it, you should cover some things as early as possible. Obviously, baby-proofing is one of them.
Luckily, there is no right time for childproofing your home! Yes, itโs perfectly fine to let out that sigh of relief. During the first 6 months, your newborn will most likely spend all of their time in the crib. As time goes on, their hands will turn into tiny claws that grasp everything within their reach. When you notice this happening, your home should be fully baby-proofed and secure for your little one to explore without any potential dangers. Model (Left): Deโari Johnson
How to begin baby proofing?
I talked a great deal about the importance of baby-proofing, but how do you actually do it? Well, that depends on how โhazardousโ your home may be. To get a sense of it, look at your home from all perspectives, taking note of all the things that may be potentially dangerous to your baby. This usually includes loose furniture, sharp edges, fragile objects, and more. Itโs best to keep a checklist of everything you notice so you donโt miss anything when you begin baby-proofing.
Remember how I said that some things are done best early on? Well, let me give you some proof (no pun intended!). During their โgraspingโ phase, your baby can only reach for items within their armโs reach. The potential hazards are fewer around this time, but your little one will want to get up on their feet in the blink of an eye, causing the number to increase. Thatโs why you should cover baby-proofing on all fronts at once so you donโt have to worry about it later.
Baby-Proofing Checklist/ Ideas
You have officially graduated baby-proofing 101 – congratulations! Now, itโs time for me to share some of my favorite ideas so you can get to have a baby proofing checklist handy. Consider these as essentials, but you should remember that your home is unique and may need some extra proofing. So, get a lay of the land, head to your nearest baby store, and letโs get to work.
KEEP ELECTRICAL OUTLETS COVERED
Babies find electrical outlets fascinating. In fact, theyโre so curious about them, that they want to stick their fingers inside. That said, covering your electrical outlets is a must. You can do this baby-proofing step in two ways. For one, you can buy plastic outlet covers and place them on all of your sockets. Still, some parents donโt find them too appealing, so they choose plate covers. Basically, if there isnโt a cord plugged into the outlet, it will automatically close. Donโt forget about your power strip cover!
INSTALL STAIR GATES
If you live in an apartment, you donโt have to worry about the dangers of stairs. But, when it comes to houses, stair gates are essential. Luckily, theyโre very easy to install and come in a variety of styles. If youโre feeling extra creative and have a knack for sewing, you can even make your own fabric stair gates.
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DONโT OVER STUFF CRIBS
I know, you may be tempted to stuff your little oneโs crib with all kinds of adorable toys and plush toys. As cute as they are, however, they can be really dangerous sometimes. That said, you should cover them in your baby-proofing checklist.
Some of you may be confused about how plush toys can be hazardous (seems impossible, doesnโt it?) When babies start getting a sense of their โclawsโ, they will reach for anything, usually for the things closest to them. In this case, these would be their toys. Still, some plushier toys may fall on their face and because of their short arms, they wonโt be able to move them away. In the worst-case scenario, the toys may block their airways, ultimately suffocating them. Itโs safe to say, this is a scene we definitely donโt want to imagine, let alone see!
SECURE TOILET ROLLS
Similarly to electrical cords, babies are amazed by toilet paper. Itโs most likely because it seems never-ending for them. In addition to all the pulling, they also might get the idea to put the paper in their mouths. This is yet another fiasco you want to avoid, meaning some baby-proofing is in order. The best thing about it? You probably already have the solution in your home. Just grab a simple hair tie and place it around the roll. Thatโs it!
KEEP DRAWERS AND CABINETS CLOSED
When babies look at wardrobes, drawers, and cabinets, they think theyโll discover Narnia behind them. While they may not find exactly what theyโre looking for, the stuff inside will surely become interesting, such as cleaning supplies, sharp knives, and anything in between. You already know that securing them is a must, and you can do this with child-proof locks you can find in any baby or hardware store.
These were some of my favorite baby-proofing checklist and Ideas for you, but thereโs a lot more where that came from! For one, you always want to have a safe area for your kids to play in, so you might want to invest in a portable playpen. Also, keep sharp corners at bay with nifty covers. I could go on for hours!
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Disclaimer: All photographs featured on this article are taken with utmost care by the parents or legal guardians. We emphasize on the safety, comfort, and well-being of every child involved.