Baby Proofing

Baby proofing becomes essential as your child starts moving about. At this stage, she is much more active and very inquisitive about everything around her. Concern about your child's safety should begin from where she will spend most of her time. And, that is her home. Although you may have opted for the best baby proofing, you should remember to still keep an eye on your toddler. Remember that supervision is the best baby proofing method.

Video on Making Your Home Safe and Fun For Baby’s First Steps

Baby Proofing Check List

• Close all unused electrical outlets with a safety cover. Keep the switches of plugs in OFF position.
• Try giving sharp corners of furniture such as chairs, tables etc. a soft padding that wont hurt her if she falls on them.
• Put away the plastic decorations that pose threats of toxicity.
• Keep stationery objects and any other sharp instruments locked and secure.
• If you are using a rack with multiple shelves, you may consider keeping the lower shelves empty so that she has nothing to lay her hands on.
• Place anything that poses a potential hazard out of reach or in a cupboard that the toddler cannot open. Some common potential hazards include used batteries, paper clips and plastic bags. Do not discard them in dustbins that your toddler can lay her hands on.
• Remember to keep matchboxes and gas lighters high up beyond your toddler's reach. If you have the habit of smoking, place those cigarettes and ash trays away from where your toddler can lay her hands on them.
• Always keep small curios in closed show cases.
• Avoid decorative and fragrance candles that run risks of being a fire hazard.
• Consider using magnetic cabinets and drawer locks as your toddler will not be able to open them.
• Get child lock fittings on the doors of the house and your car.
• Remove the cords from your curtains as they can strangle your toddler. If you cannot remove them, tie them up very high.
• Make sure that your carpets and rugs are non slippery to avoid the toddler from hurting herself during a fall.
• Do not leave things on the stair case that may increase chances of tripping. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and keep them closed to prevent your toddler from falling.
• Consider fixing hinge protectors on furniture such as ironing boards and deck chairs because the hinges can pinch your toddler's delicate hands.
• Fix rubber stoppers on the doors to prevent them from banging and trapping her delicate fingers.
• Mount tall lamps behind heavy furniture as the lamps may topple over if your toddler pulls them when she crawls or walks around.
• Keep soft pillows and quilts out of toddler's play area and cribs. These can cause her to suffocate.
• Make sure that shelves and book cases are firmly mounted on to the wall and that your toddler cannot topple them.
• Place colourful stickers on large glass doors so that they appear "visible" to toddler.
• Take care not to spill hot food or drinks. A very small spill can scald your toddler very badly. Breastfeeding mothers should remember not to have a very hot drink while they nurse as this can scald both mother and toddler.
• Keep first aid supplies ready and locked out of your toddler's reach. If you are hiring a baby sitter, make sure she knows where they are kept and how to use them.
• Do not get your toddler any toys that you think may have lead paint, sharp edges and brittle plastic parts. Also do not get her toys with long strings.
• If you want to keep plants inside the house, make sure that they are non-toxic.
• Keep all cabinets locked as your toddler will enjoy crawling into spaces.
• Get a smoke alarm fitted so that you will be warned of fire hazards.
• Use a cordless phone so that you can freely move about and there are less chances of cord dangers for the toddler when she crawls.

Remember that taking enough care can go a long way in ensuring the safety of your toddler. So, it is worthwhile taking that effort and time to make your home risk-proof.