Top Ten Baby Proofing Concerns
Baby Proofing is one area of parenting where you should always be 'ahead of the game'. It can be difficult, especially for first time parents, to foresee all the areas in their home and life that can pose a potential danger to their child. Luckily, there are plenty of resources on the internet to help parents learn about baby proofing, so you can be prepared before your baby arrives. Resist the temptation to wait until your baby is mobile before addressing these issues. Your baby may surprise you by how early they are on the move, and you don't want to be rushed or distracted when you begin the baby proofing process.Here's our list of Top Ten areas to examine when baby-proofing your home...
1) Baby Gates - there are many, many options to fit all your needs in this area. Gating off stairs is of particular concern, but you may also need to gate off certain rooms of your home, or use gates to keep pets away from babies.
2) Drawers and Cabinets - obviously, you'll want to lock all cabinets and drawers that contain dangerous liquids, chemicals, medicine, etc. But I prefer to go ahead and put baby proof latches on all cabinets and drawers that baby can access. Not only may there be something inside that you didn't realize was dangerous, but children also often injure themselves simply by slamming their fingers in drawers and cabinets. Locking all of your cabinets and drawers will eliminate these tearful occurances.
3) Electrical Hazards - there are many products available to cover your outlet plugs and hide electrical cords from your child. Also make sure there are no cords hanging down from higher surfaces, that your child could pull and cause an appliance or lamp, etc., to fall on them.
4) Toilet Lock - a child can drown in a toilet, and babies are more top heavy than one would imagine, so falling headfirst in a toilet is an actual possibility. (Bonus: A toilet lock will also keep your sweet toddler from flushing your watch down the toilet.)
5) Stove and Oven Locks - Children LOVE buttons and knobs, especially ones they see Mommy and Daddy using all the time. Prevent them from being able to access these dangerous areas in the kitchen.
6) Furniture Anchors - heavy furniture, especially tall or top-heavy items, pose a significant danger to children, especially when they reach the climbing stage. Anchoring these pieces to the wall will prevent them from falling on top of your child and causing serious injury.
7) Door Locks - Never under-estimate your child. Every year there are numerous news stories of children leaving their homes in the middle of the night, or while parents are distracted. Prevent this from happening by putting a lock on exterior doors that your toddler/child cannot operate.
8) Fireplace - Attractive gates are available that are specifically designed to gate off your fireplace area. Not only does this prevent your child from getting too near a burning fire, but they also prevent head injuries from falling on the often hard, sharp hearth surfaces. If you own a gas fireplace, make sure the remote control is kept where children can never access it.
9) Windows - There are many products available to ensure that your child cannot operate your windows. Also remember to make sure the cords to any Blinds are not hanging down where children can get entangled in them.
10) Car Safety - most parents know that having your child in an appropriate car seat is not only safe, it's the law. However, did you know that many unsuspecting parents have installed their car seats incorrectly? It's also very important to make sure your child's car seat is the correct one for their weight/height (their size is much more important than their age, when choosing a car seat). Finally, please be aware that keeping your child REAR FACING until they outgrow the rear-facing limits on their seat, greatly increases their safety while riding in the car. Your State laws may say it's okay to turn your child forward facing at 1 year and 20 lbs, but be aware that's the minimum requirement - many car seats will allow for rear facing much longer. Find more car seat safety info at Car-Safety.org
