If you apply these tips and reminders, you are sure to keep Junior safe and happy, bouncing and bubbly for years to come. How do you protect your baby at home?
@Home: Tips to Baby-Proof Your Home
By SUZZANNE COUSINS
Every household with a bundle of joy knows it’s important to keep a baby safe. Maybe bubble wrapping the whole house is not a viable option, but leaving your house a danger zone is just as problematic. So how can you effectively baby-proof your home? Here are a few tips and tricks:
Bath tubs and bath time
When you’re going to bathe your child, make sure that the water temperature and level are ideal for a fun and safe bath time. We recommend that you fill the tub just enough to cover your baby’s legs, which is no more than two to three inches. Warm water, no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is perfect for baby’s bath. While in the tub, never leave a baby unattended, not even for a quick second. To safeguard against slips or falls, invest in some non-slip mats for in and out of the tub.
Toilets
Toilet locks are excellent for keeping your toddler safe in the bathroom. These locks help to prevent the risk of your child’s finger getting smashed by the rim. It also keeps the bowl closed so your baby won’t be able to play in the water, which lessens the chance of accidental drowning or unsanitary exposure.
Medicines and cleaning products
If you don’t have somewhere out-of-reach to store medicines or cleaning products, we suggest that you get a lockable safe. Under-sink cabinets are often used to store cleaning products, but with a baby at home, you need to move them out of reach. Here’s a tip, if they must stay in lower cabinets, invest in latches and locks to always keep the cabinet and cupboard doors securely shut.
Cords, cables, sockets
Keep cables and wires out of sight from your little one. If they must be visible make sure they are wrapped or rolled up, to avoid electrocution from chewing on them or, even strangulation, which is common among small children. Contrary to popular belief, when “childproofing” electrical outlets, plastic outlets are not the best options, because if your child takes it off, it can be a choking hazard. So what can you do? Consider getting sliding covers as a substitute.
Beds, comforters and toys
Unfortunately, all those cute little blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals in your baby’s crib can be choking hazards, even suffocating your precious baby. So, when your child will be unattended, maybe during sleep, remove those things from their cribs or off the bed, they lay on. Also, toys should be stored at a height reachable for your child, to avoid dolly avalanches. Place all toys in boxes, so there are no lids to slam your baby’s fingers.
Kitchen safety
Stove knobs are fun to twist, and they look like just another toy to your child, so keep them turned off with stove knob covers. With electric stoves, consider getting a lock-off, so no current runs through it when you aren’t using it. An appliance lock ensures that little Jack or Jill won’t pull the oven door down on top of themselves, especially if there’s a bun in the oven. Never cook with your baby in your arm, and as much as possible keep them away from the stove while preparing a hot meal.
Do you have stairs?
Get a gate. Carpet the steps. Close off the rails. These options will help prevent serious accidents or bad endings in your storey. We also suggest you get a baby monitor so you can have eyes and ears on your child at all times. Note that a cordless monitor is the best option.
