Becoming a new parent is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with lots of responsibilities. As new parents, you want to make sure your little one is safe and secure, especially in their own home. It’s important to keep an eye on your child’s every move, but it’s even more important to take the necessary steps to babyproof your home to prevent accidents and injuries.
If you’re a new parent of a newborn or about to become one, babyproofing your house should be at the top of your to-do list. Here are some helpful tips to effectively babyproof your house.
Look at your home from a baby’s point of view
The first step towards baby-proofing your house is to step into the shoes of your little one. It’s time to think like a baby and see your home from their perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around your house. Look for any hazards that might pose a threat to a curious infant – like sharp corners of tables, loose cords, or poisonous items.
Clear the clutter
Babies are curious little creatures, and if there is any clutter around the house, they will find a way to get into it. So make sure you keep your house as clutter-free as possible. Place low-lying items, such as plants or small decorations, and sharp objects out of reach.
Secure furniture and appliances
Tipping of furniture or appliances can cause serious injuries to babies and toddlers. Make sure all heavy items are anchored or secured to the wall. You can buy wall anchors in a hardware store and attach them to the back of furniture with screws. This will prevent the furniture from tipping over your baby if they are trying to climb up or pull themselves up on it.
Childproof cabinets and drawers
Once your baby becomes mobile, they will naturally want to explore every corner and cabinet. This means that you’ll need to secure cabinets and drawers so that they can’t open them. You can install latches on cabinet doors that your baby can’t reach or customize your drawers with childproof locks to keep your little explorers out.
Cover electrical outlets and cords
Electrical outlets and cords pose a significant risk to babies. Cover all electrical outlets with safety plugs, which are widely available at big box department stores or hardware stores and online. Keep cords out of your baby’s reach and secure them to the wall using cord covers.
Install safety gates
As babies turn into toddlers and start to walk, they become more mobile, curious, and accident-prone. Installing safety gates at the top and bottom of your stairs and in any rooms that are off-limits to your baby is a crucial safety step. A safety gate will prevent your little one from climbing stairs or accessing areas that could be hazardous like the kitchen.
Keep medicine out of reach
One of the biggest mistakes many parents make is leaving medicine bottles within reach of their little ones. It’s crucial to keep all medicines, prescriptions, and vitamins out of reach. It’s best to install a safety lock on a medicine cabinet or move it to a high shelf that’s out of reach or locked.
Keep an eye open for potential hazards
Babyproofing isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it thing. As your baby grows and develops new skills, you should continue to look around your home and identify potential hazards. Each family’s living environment is different so it’s important to create an individual safety plan that fits your family’s lifestyle.
Welcoming a newborn baby is an exciting yet exhausting time for new parents. One of the most crucial aspects of taking care of your little one is ensuring their safety. Baby-proofing your home can be a simple task if you know what to look for. By following these tips mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to making your home a safe haven for your baby.
New homes by S&A Homes
If you’re looking for a new home for your growing family, we hope you’ll consider S&A Homes. We offer a variety of new home communities and floorplans in the most sought-after locations. We can also build your dream home on your own land! For more details, visit us at SAHomebuilder.com or call 1-855-SAHome1 to learn about our new home communities throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania.