Babyproof Your Home

As your little one gets up and moving, you will have to start working your reflexes more often and quicker. It is not always possible to keep an eye on your child. Although you would love to look at him for 24 hours a day, it is quite impossible to do so. And kids somehow manage to get into trouble when you are not looking. Sometimes, it could be great fun while at other times, it can be injurious. To save a little bit of headache, it is important that you baby proof your home as soon as possible. There are many parts of the house that draws your child's attention whereas you may not even notice them. Hence, it is necessary to think like a kid when baby proofing your home.

Scan your house and imagine your child let free. Where are the possible places he will end up when you are not holding his hands? What are the dangers that are posed in the house? Where are the dangers? What can be done to prevent them?

Baby cots

Choose the baby cot wisely. It is important that you keep these pointers in mind when you choose your baby cot. There should not be any gaps at the sides after you put the mattress. The railings must be high enough that your toddler will not be bale climb out easily. Also, it should not be too high that you have to strain to put / take your toddler out. Make sure you remove all plastic covers before using it. Ensure that the baby cot is not cluttered with things such as toys. Do not install items such as a mobile fan in the cot.

Alternatively, let your baby sleep on the floor. Throw in 2 thick blanket so that it provides enough cushion. This way, your child has ample room to move and also, is less dangerous. Use baby gates at the door, should your toddler wake up before you and wander out of the bedroom.

Staircase

This is a real danger situation. A fall could result in permanent damage. Hence, make sure this part of the home is well covered when baby proofing your home. Use baby gates to prevent the toddler from entering the staircase. Especially critical situation arises if your child is using baby walker.

Give repeated instruction to not go near the staircase. Place something that the child is afraid of near the staircase so that he will not go near. Try to distract him from the staircase with other activities if he is only interested in the stairs.

Plastic

Chocking hazard. Hence keep them out of reach.

Sharp-edged furniture

You can't possible throw away something you have invested in. Hene, make sure you get this covered as well. You will be able to get tapes that can be attached around shard edged tables or other furniture. This will ward off the baby from getting hurt.

Medicine

Swallowing danger. Keep them out sight and reach.

Toys

Make sure you buy age-appropriate toys. Look out for dangers of chocking. Test the toy before buying. Ensure that the toy will not hurt your child. Also, make sure the color doesn't run and the paint does not come off upon scratching. Otherwise, it could be dangerous for kids who happen to put everything in his mouth.

At the dining table

Keep the food out of reach and beware of him pulling at the table mat. Invest in a baby chair if possible. And put it away when not in use.

Fan

Table fans and standing fans are very dangerous. Switch them off or make sure you supervise, if a child is nearby as the child may become curious and put his finger in through the hole. Go for ceiling fan instead or fans that can be attached to the walls.

Plugs and Wires

Switch off after use. Pull the plug and cover the hole. Make sure the wires are not visible or hanging.

Iron

Keep it away after use as it could cause irreparable damage if the child happen to reach it while hot.

Plants

You may want to keep it out of your house or at higher altitudes.

Bathroom

Never leave the child alone in the bathroom. Keep the door closed when not in use. Empty all buckets after use. Little children can drown in very little water. Non-slip mats are a must. Beware of slipping in the bath tub. Keep out things like shampoos due to fear of consumption. Keep away sharp objects like razors, blades and shavers. If the bathroom has windows that are low, keep them closed and locked.

Doors

Invest in a good door stopper. On extremely windy occasion, the doors pose a real hazard. Try to keep the door closed as well if your stopper is not good enough.

Refrigerator

Buy one with a child-lock. Otherwise, invest in lock tabs that can be easily attached at the door sides.

Kitchen

Keep them kids away using baby gates. Kitchen poses a lot of hazards and if you are unable to supervise your child, it is best to keep them out till they are older to help you out.

These are some of the tips that could help babyproof your home. There are many other ways which you may do so. The best one to learn from is your toddler as he is the only one who wil show you what he is capable of and where is can possibly reach. Watch out for the signals and you will do fine.