A roll of toilet paper or paper towels completely unraveled. Zip-lock bags and Cheerios strewn all over the floor. Little hands in dog bowls, drawers, and toilets. These are many of the things you’ll find in our home on a daily basis.
Though these are certainly inconveniences that arise after baby comes (and starts getting mobile), they are of lesser concern. Making your home safe and secure for your children is of utmost importance. Follow the list below to help guide you through your home to make sure it is baby and toddler safe!
GENERALLY
1. Gate stairways. Make sure that you purchase and install gates bound by hardware so that the baby is not able to push/pull it down.
2. Secure wall art and photos: keep them out of reach so baby cannot pull them down on top of himself.
3. Cover electrical outlets with plastic caps. We had our electrician install tamper resistant electrical receptacles as an extra measure of caution.
4. Make sure any house plants are non-toxic.
5. Regularly check your doorstops; the removable caps can pose a choking hazard.
KITCHEN
6. No towels on the oven door. This can act as leverage for baby to pull open the oven door. Be sure to have knob covers on the stove.
7. Keep cleaning products up high out of reach and not below the kitchen sink or other easily accessible areas. Feel free to leave safe items for baby in low drawers. We purposely placed all the Tupperware in the lowest drawer so our little could play and empty to her heart’s content. Don’t forget child locks on cabinets!
8. Be thoughtful about how you organize the refrigerator. Pay close attention to the condiments placed low in the door, and items placed on lower shelves. Heavy platters and containers should be placed out of reach.
BEDROOMS/NURSERY
9. We are all aware of SIDS. It is recommended that you keep the crib empty except for a firm mattress and sheet until he reaches toddlerhood. Be aware of your child’s age and physical abilities when considering placing any additional items in the crib.
10. Tuck away any electrical cords. Where possible, secure them to the wall.
11. Secure furniture to the wall. You may think the item is too big or heavy for your child to pull down, but you can never be too cautious! My heart sinks every time I hear a story of a child injured or killed from furniture falling down on top of him or her. With every item you can, secure it to the wall.
12. Toy boxes with lids can trap baby’s hands (or worse yet, head), so try to limit toy boxes to open bins.
13. Install finger-pinch guards to cover to keep little fingers from getting squished in the door. This can also help prevent baby from unwontedly closing and locking himself in a room.
BATHROOMS
14. Children can drown in just a few inches of water. Get a toilet lock. (This will also help reduce the hand-washing from little hands playing in the toilet.)
15. When consumed, items such as toothpaste, mouthwash, cleansers, and lotions can be toxic. Lock these items away.
16. Hot water heaters should be kept at 120 degrees F or below. We also keep a thermometer to ensure bathing temperature is cool enough.
17. Be sure to keep plenty of mats down on tiled floors to prevent slips. Try to buy non-skid mats.
LIVING ROOM
18. Make sure any sharp edges are covered by corner guards, such as coffee tables, side tables, and bookcases.
19. If you don’t have cordless blinds, find a way to secure the cords out of reach from your baby. These are a serious choking hazard.
20. Watch out for fireplaces, as well as the heavy screens. Consider installing one that is permanently secured to the wall. For that extra flair, go for the gold-plated design (your living room may take a trip back to the 70s in the name of baby safety).
We did all our baby-proofing on our own, but there are a variety of companies in Fort Worth that will do the hard work for you, and ensure that no stone is left unturned. A quick Google search will help you locate one in your area.
What other tips do you have to make sure your home is safe?
Thanks for the tips. I double checked my doorstops. They have removable caps. My husband is going to replace them this weekend. I also realized because of this infographic that I need to find myself a toilet seat lock. My daughter has always been a little fascinated by water. Only a matter of time until she realizes the wonder of the toilet. http://www.cooldailyinfographics.com/post/visual-guide-to-child-proofing-your-home
Thank you for these wonderful tips regarding baby proofing your home. I especially like the fact that you break each room down and give tips for each one. This is very helpful. I would to recommend that all parents get certified in First Aid and CPR as well as childproof their homes as best as possible. Although we can protect our children from many household dangers, accidents happen. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency is critical for a quicker recovery. Thanks again for sharing. I am sure your readers will benefit.