Whether it is the first child or there are others, parents are constantly concerned about the safety of their young ones. Parents already plan how to babyproof the home, even before the baby is born. If you’re an expecting parent, we get it. Babyproofing is a challenging task. Everything inside your house could be a potential hazard for your newborn.
Where should you start? The kitchen? The living room? The baby’s nursery? If you’re confused about where to start, we have the right solution. In this article, we’ll talk about all the ways you can babyproof the different areas of your home.
Babyproofing the Nursery
Let’s start with the room your kids will use for a long time. This room is where they will sleep and do most of their activities during their first year, so it needs special attention to keep them safe. Here are some tips.
Secure the Crib
During the first 12 months, your kids will spend most of their time in their cribs, sometimes unattended. So make sure you make a safe sleep environment for them. Keep your kid’s crib free from pillows, stuffed toys, blankets, or any objects that could suffocate your kids while they sleep.
Keep the cribs away from curtains or dangling wires that children can reach. The crib slat should also not be wider than their heads to avoid any accidents. Lastly, always check if every part of the crib is intact. Make sure it is not wobbly, and check for cracks and loose parts. Using second-hand cribs is fine, but if the parts are broken, it’s always better to get a new one.
Boxes Help You Stay Organized
If the nursery’s floor is all cluttered, it can be dangerous for both the parents and the baby. Imagine carrying your child as you zig zag your way through their messy toys. There is a high chance you might step on them and slip.
It is always helpful to be organized in the nursery. Invest in storage boxes to help you organize your kid’s nursery. Make sure to categorize things that you put in boxes. All toys should go together, the same for clothes and other baby needs, so they are easy to find when you need them.
Babyproofing the Living Room
When your kids are a bit more mobile, they will start spending time in the living room. This is also where your family will bond, so your babies will undoubtedly be running around this area. Here are some tips to make it a safe space.
Cover Sharp Corners
The living room is full of pieces of furniture that have sharp edges. Each can be a danger, so apply corner guards. Your priority islower pieces of furniture, especially those on their eye level. Make sure the corner guards are rounded and made from silicone as hard plastics are brittle and sharp.
Secure the Fireplace
Securing your fireplace is essential if you have one. Placing a cover when it’s not in use is the most important thing you can do. In situations when you have to use the fireplace, never leave your kids unattended. Also, remove things near the fireplace that can burn quickly, as your kids may pick these up and throw them into the pit.
Secure the Windows
If your windows are near sofas that your kids can easily climb, make sure to keep them locked. Use cordless blinds as your kids can play with wires and cords and get tangled or even choked. If you don’t have the option to switch to cordless blinds, tie the cords out of reach.
Babyproofing the Bathroom
The bathroom is a busy place for your kids. This is where they’ll play with water, soap, and toys which can make the surroundings slippery and hazardous. Here are some tips to make your bathroom safe for your kids.
Make Rules for Bathing Time
Establish ground rules for your little ones during bath time. For example, if they are bathing in a bathtub, there should be no playing and standing in the tub. Moving around too much can lead to bigger accidents. You must also be aware of the tub’s water level; don’t make it too deep. Your kids won’t need much water. A little above their ankles will be enough, and much safer for their bath time.
Always supervise your children in the bath. Even a small amount of water can be a drowning hazard for toddlers.
Lock the Toilet Lid
Little kids are naturally curious and will explore every corner of the house, including toilet bowls. Childproof locks can keep your toilet lids closed from wandering kids. There’s always the possibility that your kids will play with the water on the toilet, drink it, or even dunk their heads in, so keep it shut.
Store Bathing Products Out of Reach
Whether it is an adult’s shampoo or one for kids, keep bottles out of reach. Store all cleaning products, cosmetics, and medicines away from your children to avoid contact that may cause irritation and accidental ingestion.
Babyproofing the Kitchen
The kitchen is an unlikely place for kids to wander, but don’t cross it out from your babyproofing checklist. During your child’s early years, they’ll be very attached to you and follow you everywhere. Needless to say, the kitchen should be babyproofed too.
Store Sharp Objects
Keep all sharp objects like knives, scissors, and other cooking utensils out of children’s reach. It is best to store them in cabinets and install latches or cabinet drawer locks so your kids can’t open them. Also, keep kitchen tools away from edges that your kids can reach.
Safeguard the Stove and Unplug Appliances
Kids will touch everything they see, especially if they see their parents using them. There is a chance that your kids will twist the knobs of the stove and accidentally turn it on. You can cover the stove top or turn off the gas when not in use.
Furthermore, unplug all appliances. Buttons are enticing to children, and they will push them when they see them.
General Babyproofing Tips
It can be overwhelming to look at the checklist for babyproofing your house. But take a deep breath: before your baby arrives and they learn to move around the house, you still have time to ensure it is a safe space for your kids.
- Install baby gates on stairs and doorways to prevent your kids from going to areas they are restricted from.
- Use outlet covers in every socket of your house.
- Remove all possible choking hazards scattered around the house. You can purchase a small object tester to see which objects can harm kids.
- Check if your floors are slippery. Lay down carpeting to prevent slipping incidents.
- Install anti-tip straps on heavy appliances and furniture to secure them when your kids bump or reach for them.
Get Your Babyproofing Needs At Ashtonbee
Start ticking off your babyproofing checklist with Ashtonbee. We have some of the best babyproofing accessories you need to make your space safe.
- Sliding Door Lock: It has a keyless design, is simple to install, and is durable enough to keep your kids from stepping outdoors.
- Electrical Outlet Covers: These covers have an automatic self-closing design to ensure outlets are always covered when not in use.
- Anti-Tip Straps: These straps are heavy-duty and durable, and fit on most appliances.
- Corner Guards: Ours are made from non-toxic materials, and the corners are rounded to guarantee protection for your kids. These corner guards have a strong hold yet do not damage your furniture.
- Cabinet Drawer Locks: These locks are also keyless and are compatible with any surface—whether it be wood, glass, or metal.
Babyproofing is a tedious task. Almost every part of the house contains hazards that can harm your children. We hope this checklist helps you create a safe space for your kids.
In addition, if you’re looking for more baby essentials, Ashtonbee has everything you need, like feeding tools, high chairs, toys, and more. Shop our premium items with us today!
