If you are reading this article because you are expecting your first newborn - congratulations! Your life is about to change and your sleeping pattern is bound to disappear. All in all, having a baby is one of life’s greatest gifts, however, it also comes with many responsibilities. You now have a little human to take care of and part of this includes making sure that they grow up safely.
At first sight, your home may not seem that hazardous, but once you have a baby crawling around ready to explore the world, everything becomes a potential danger. Babies love sticking their fingers in sockets and pulling on cables. Therefore, it’s best that you get all of the babyproofing out of the way before your newborn actually arrives. You will have a lot on your plate during the first few months so it’s best to get organized as soon as possible.
Cover Your Sockets
Toddlers seem to be strangely drawn to sticking their fingers in electrical wall sockets. This is extremely dangerous because it could give them a nasty shock. Make sure to cover any sockets that aren’t in use with outlet plugs. You can also use cord holders to help keep any cables fastened to the wall, this will make it harder for your baby to tug on anything electrical that could fall or be a health hazard.
Lock Your Cabinets
Our advice is to store any chemical or medical products at a high level so that your kids cannot reach them under any circumstance. If not, you can also choose to lock all of your bottom cabinets with baby-proof locks. Babies are very curious and will jump at any chance to open a drawer or cabinet.
Keep Out Creepy Crawlies
Another important hazard that is often overlooked is the problem of pest infestations. These could be especially dangerous because children are much more susceptible to picking up diseases or infections as they have a weaker immune system. If you suffer from an infestation of carpenter ants, these can turn aggressive and will bite if they feel threatened.
Cover Any Dangerous Corners
Most toddlers are constantly falling as they learn to walk, so it’s important to cover any dangerous corners that your furniture might have. Not only are babies extremely prone to hurting themselves, but these corners are typically found at head-level, which can make for a very dangerous injury. There are a ton of corner protectors to choose and they can fit an array of coffee tables, dressers, and even dining tables.
Bath Time
Given that babies spend so much time in the bathtub, it is important that this area of the house is also proofed for their safety. The most common hazard during bath time is that a toddler becomes scolded by hot water. Babies love twisting and turning taps so make sure that your water boiler is never over 120 degrees. Another thing to consider during bath time is installing some no-slip mats and soft covers for the faucets.
Create a Safe Space
One of the best ways to baby-proof your home and get some peace of mind is by creating a safe space. A safe space refers to a designated area in the house that is free from all types of hazards. This can be as small or as large as you wish. You could designate an entire room by using a baby gate, or a specific area of the room by using a baby playpen. Although you will still need to keep an eye on your baby, you can carry on with your daily tasks with a bit more tranquility. Similarly, if there are any areas of the house which are too difficult to baby proof, consider installing some type of lock to avoid your toddler from wandering in.
Remember to stay vigilant when your toddler is learning to crawl or walk. Don’t forget that you have to be extra careful when visiting other homes, especially those that don’t have any babies, as they won’t be baby-proofed. In the blink of an eyelid, your baby could be up to no good and in a sticky situation. This is why it’s so important to try and baby-proof your house as best as you can. However, raising a child is no easy task, and even the best parents make mistakes. Having children is much harder than it looks and all you can do is try your best.
