It is difficult for parents to hold their children back once they start crawling around and pulling themselves up on furniture. Those little ones love to touch, taste, and open or climb everything within their reach. The average home contains several potentially dangerous areas and sometimes hazardous items that could harm your toddler, so it is vital that you make time for babyproofing your home.
Here are seven pointers that all parents should read. Some of them you have probably already heard, but they certainly bear repeating. Others you may not have considered, but should take a closer look at. Read also: Babysitter Tips on Sittercity Reviews
1. Children will invariably get wet (how do they do that anyway?), but you can prevent slips and falls with rubberized non-slip mats. They are an absolute must in the bathroom, but think about using them in other areas of the house where your flooring is smooth or waxed. Tile, wood, and other hard surfaces tend to be very slick when wet, so large play mats for rooms with those surfaces will keep your toddler.
2. Consider swapping out a rectangular coffee table for an oval or circular one. This eliminates any sharp edges on an item that toddlers are likely to use to pull themselves up. The same goes for TV stands. Experts suggest that you secure large pieces of furniture, like bookcases and armoires, directly to the wall when possible. Little climbers could inadvertently topple them over right on themselves.
3. Since children love to put things in their mouth, relocate cleaning solutions and pet food to high shelves. If this is not feasible, use locks on cabinets when these items are stored. When your pet is finished eating, be sure to pick their bowl up or you could walk in on your toddler with a mouthful of kibble.
4. Be sure that all electrical outlets are covered. The little plastic inserts are and easy and inexpensive solution, but they do present a choking hazard if they become dislodged. Consider buying sliding covers instead. Read also: Save On Babysitters With A Sittercity Promo Instant Discount Offer
5. Small appliance cords that sometimes dangle within a small child’s reach should be stowed away immediately after use. Never leave them hanging around where they can be grabbed causing a hot iron or blow drier to fall on or injure them. Even better is choosing cordless models. This applies to baby monitors and window blinds, too.
6. You can protect delicate little fingers from being smashed in kitchen cabinets with securing latches. Toy boxes are also notorious for catching children’s fingers, so try to find one without a lid. The same thing goes for large appliances like stoves and refrigerators. Knob covers and door latches or locks work wonders. And, please, do not forget the toilet. There are latches that will prevent unhygienic dips in them as well.
7. This last one cannot be stressed enough: baby gates. They are a surefire way to corral your would-be explorer in one room you already know is safe for them. They effectively block off stairs, rooms with lots of plants, valuable artwork, and home offices. Today’s versions come in several styles for stylish integration into your home’s decor.
Getting on your toddler’s level will help you spot potentially unsafe spots to address. Noticing things from the floor to about three feet up is a good start. Keep in mind that babyproofing your home gives you peace of mind while allowing your child to freely explore their surroundings.
Got any smart home babyproofing tips that you would like to share? Let us know.
I feel safer with our wall-to-wall carpeting. It protects my son each time he falls.
My son is done with the crawling part. Now, he’s starting to walk. He’s always falling after trying to stand up but he just keeps on going and going. Our house is pretty much an open space for him to explore. We have set aside the tables and chairs.
The little ones are just too curious about anything, They will play with anything they get their hands on. You’re right. We, as parents, have to get down to their level to figure out the areas that can potentially be dangerous for them.
Those non-slip mats are absolutely must haves in the bathroom.
It’s a must to have a baby gate if there’s a toddler in the house. I agree that it’s the safest way to corral the little one.
You got some practical tips here. I really like the one about coffee table. A circular one is a lot safer than a rectangular one. Makes sense 🙂