Tips for Childproofing for Your Toddler

Learning to walk is a major milestone for your baby. They are more active, excited to be able to toddle into areas of your house they've never been. However, this sense of adventure and new-found mobility brings with it a call for updated childproofing. Here are some tips on how to make your home safe for your toddler.

Cabinets: Lower cabinets, such as those beneath the kitchen sink, are a great place to begin when giving your home a safety makeover. Eye level to one who is two-and-a-half feet tall, cabinets are a perfect target for baby's curiosity. Attach cabinet safety hardware that locks the cabinet into a closed position. To be completely safe, clear the cabinet of all toxic material, such as cleaning products and chemicals. Keep these items up high, away from your toddler's grasp.

Stairs: Stairs can pose a major safety risk in your home for a baby whose balance and coordination are not fully developed. A fall on the stairs can cause broken bones or a head injury, so be sure your toddler is supervised at all times. Place a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs, in the doorway of the room where your baby plays, or both.

Plants: Take inventory of the type of houseplants that you have in your home. Many types are poisonous to children and pets if ingested, and toddlers love to put that stuff in their mouths. Plants such as aloe vera, mums, and poinsettia are all toxic to children. If you have a poisonous houseplant, make sure it is up and out of your toddler's reach. Pick off dead leaves and vacuum your carpet often to assure that no leaves make their way onto the floor.

Tables: Your toddler is getting taller, and may be able to climb onto dining room chairs, so be sure to keep your kitchen table free of anything that may harm your baby. If your baby has reached the climbing stage, turn your chairs around so that your toddler can't use them to climb onto the table.

Get on your knees: Get down on your toddler's level. Search the house on your knees to gain a perspective on what your baby can reach. Check for potential hazards, such as lamp cords or heavy objects that your baby can pull down.

Teach: Now is a good time to expand your baby's vocabulary. Begin to teach your toddler safety words, such as "hot", "ouch", and "no". However, only use them when it matters. If your toddler hears the word "no" all the time, the meaning will not be as serious.

As always, use restraints when your toddler is in the highchair, shopping cart, and stroller. Never leave your toddler unsupervised, especially in the bathtub, even for a few seconds. Do your part to keep your baby's world a safe place to be.