Whether you are bringing home a baby or planning to care for one for a family member or friend, babyproofing your home is essential.
When it comes to babyproofing tips and safety, you know the basics. You latch and lock the cabinets and drawers, making sure no medicines or chemicals can be accessed. You install safety gates securely in front of stairs and cover electrical outlets. But believe it or not, these measures are just the beginning.
To make sure your home is ready for your family’s newest addition, go room by room and implement our babyproofing tips.
Kitchen
- Move all magnets to the top part of the refrigerator or remove them altogether.
- Unplug appliances that aren’t in use. Double-check that cords are hidden and are not hanging toward the ground in reach of your baby.
- Remove any kitchen towels from the oven door. If your baby pulls on them, the door could open and be a major hazard.
- Cover the knobs on your stove, especially if they’re right above the oven door.
- Move pet food dishes off the floor and out of reach once your pet is done eating.
Living Room
- Attach the TV to the entertainment stand or mount it to the wall so it’s more stable and secure.
- Mount bookshelves to the wall so they won’t topple over if your baby pulls at or climbs on one. Store the heaviest items on the lowest shelves for added stability.
- Make sure any breakable items and indoor plants are out of reach.
- Cover sharp corners with cushioned guards.
- Keep wires out of reach.
Bathroom
- Set your water heater to a temperature that’s below 120 degrees.
- Add no-slip strips or an anti-slip mat on the bottom of your bathtub to stop slips and falls.
- Keep the waterspout covered with something soft so it’s not a hazard.
- Put the toilet seat down and secure it with a lock.
- Consider a childproof trash can so tossed-out items can’t be easily accessed.
- Keep all prescriptions, medicines, and dental hygiene products out of reach.
Nursery
- Put the crib on a wall where windows and blinds (including their cords) are out of reach.
- Remove any wall décor that’s above the crib or changing table. These could be pulled down or be a fall hazard.
- Fasten the furniture to the wall so it’s secure and won’t tip.
- Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector right outside your baby’s bedroom, or inside the room depending on your building’s guidelines.
- Add non-skid pads to the bottom of rugs to keep them in place.
The best way to make sure you’re implementing babyproofing tips in every room? Take a few minutes to get to their level. Explore your house from their point of view to identify anything that might draw their attention. This way, you can spot and stop safety hazards. Then, read our blog, The New Parent’s Handbook: 11 things to do now for even more advice.
