I remember when my baby was first born I thought to myself, “Why do I need to baby proof my home?” Then as my son started getting older, I found out that reason the hard way. My son would pull himself up to stand on anything he could reach. Sometimes that meant a couch cushion that wasn’t on all the way or a table runner; all of which led to a tumble.
Gradually, we started having to baby-proof our home more and more. Locking kitchen and bathroom cabinets, blocking outlets, and ensuring there are deadbolts on our front door. Looking back, I wish I had done all the baby-proofing at once before our little guy arrived.
Creating a safe environment for your baby is crucial, not only for their well-being but also for your peace of mind. Don’t forget about car safety as well. In this blog post, I’ll share practical baby-proofing tips to help you make your home a safer place for your little one.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. In addition, I am not a doctor. Please notify your OBGYN/midwife of any concerns you may have. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
Table of Contents
When Should You Baby-Proof Your Home?
Ideally, you should start baby-proofing your home before your bundle of joy arrives. However, don’t fret if you haven’t yet, as your baby won’t start crawling until around 6 to 10 months of age. Once your baby can crawl, you definitely want to invest in items to baby-proof your home with.
Babies develop new skills quickly, often catching parents off guard with their newfound mobility and curiosity. I remember one day when our son was lying on our bed with us and he rolled over nearly hitting his head on the corner of our nightstand, he was only a few months old and we realized we needed to step up our baby-proofing efforts sooner than expected. Starting early ensures you’re prepared for each stage of your baby’s development, giving you peace of mind and providing a safe environment for your little one to explore and grow.
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General Baby-Proofing Tips
Safety Gates
One of the first things we did was install safety gates. These are essential for blocking off bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, stairs, and any areas of your home that may be dangerous. When our son was a baby we used the gate to block off the office as it had the litter box in there. We also used a gate to block off the entryway between the living room and the kitchen, so he would stay in the living room with us instead of running through the whole home.
Now, as a toddler who sleeps in a Montessori floor bed, we put a gate up outside his bedroom door. This way, when he wakes up in the middle of the night, he cannot leave his bedroom without us knowing. Of course, we still keep his baby camera up in his room as well. We opted for the Evenflo Position and Lock Baby Gate for our home. It’s sturdy and easy to install, offering peace of mind whenever our son is exploring. However, I will say that this gate is short, so if you have a taller baby or want to extend its use for years to come, maybe consider a gate such as the Comomy Extra Tall baby gate.
Outlet Covers
Babies are naturally curious, and electrical outlets seem to draw their attention like magnets. We use these clear outlet covers, which are simple to install and effectively keep tiny fingers out of danger. Pro tip: don’t keep wires plugged in and within reach of babies and toddlers. Our son has never tried putting his fingers in outlets, but boy does he love pulling on wires…
Sharp Corners and Edges
To protect against sharp edges, we used these clear corner protectors on our side tables and other furniture. After a close call where our son almost bumped his head on the corner of our TV console, this long silicone roll corner protector was a savior.
Deadbolts and Hatch Locks for Doors Leading Outside
Once our son became a toddler, he started being able to reach door handles. He now knows how to open our front door and the door leading into the garage. Due to this, we have installed both deadbolts and hatch locks on every door that leads to the outside, so we have peace of mind at nighttime that our son cannot get out.
Choking Hazards
Small objects are a significant choking hazard for babies. We did a thorough sweep of our home, removing or securely storing anything that could be swallowed. Thankfully, our son has never been one to put things in his mouth, but we have to air on the side of caution. This is especially important if you have older children who have toys with small enough pieces that can be swallowed.
Room-by-Room Baby-Proofing Tips
Living Room
The living room is often the hub of family activity, making it a prime area for baby-proofing. It’s important to anchor heavy furniture, like bookshelves and the TV stand, to the walls using Safety 1st Furniture Wall Straps.
We also replaced the glass and breakable decor on side tables and shelves with non-breakable items. Removing that glass vase wasn’t just about safety; it was about ensuring our living space was truly baby-friendly. We also placed a baby gate and outlet covers in our living room and added edge bumpers to our TV console.
Kitchen
Kitchens are full of potential hazards. We installed these Cabinet Locks to keep cleaning supplies and sharp objects out of reach. I vividly remember the panic when I saw our son trying to open a cabinet under the sink where we stored cleaners. Those locks have been a game-changer.
Stove knob covers, like the Prince Lionheart Stove Guard, prevent little hands from reaching burners. Additionally, we kept the floor clean of small items that could pose choking risks. We also kept a baby gate up to prevent our son from going into the kitchen without us, although that may not be possible in every home.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, we use the same locks for cabinets and drawers that we use in the kitchen. Toilets can also be a hazard, so I recommend installing Mommy’s Helper Toilet Seat Lid-Lock to prevent any accidental splashes. I recall the time our son managed to get into the bathroom and made a beeline for the toilet, I wished I had this lock then.
All medications and toiletries were moved to high shelves, well out of reach. Bath time posed its own safety risks. We installed a water spout cover and a non-slip bath mat to give us more peace of mind during bathtime. I also recommend a bathtub thermometer so you know exactly how hot the water is for your baby. Bath time became much more relaxing once we knew our bathroom was secure.
Nursery
For the bedroom, ensuring the crib is safe is paramount. We chose the Delta Children 6-in-1 Convertible Crib, which has an adjustable mattress height to keep our baby from climbing out. We also made sure the crib was free from suffocation hazards like pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. Despite old tradition, also ensure that you are not using crib bumpers as they are now considered a risk factor for SIDS.
As our son grew and became more mobile, we updated our baby-proofing measures. For example, we moved his crib mattress to the lowest setting once he started pulling himself up. Now that he’s a toddler, he is in a Montessori floor bed. We use both a baby camera and a baby gate to ensure he does not leave his bedroom in the middle of the night.
Additional Safety Tips
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Having working fire and carbon monoxide alarms is essential. I remember when we first moved into our home, the fire detector in our son’s bedroom of all places was not functioning; we fixed it instantly. The First Alert BRK CO5120BN Hardwired Carbon Monoxide Detector with battery backup for added safety is top rated. Don’t forget to regularly test the alarms and replace batteries periodically; this is crucial.
Emergency Numbers
Having emergency numbers easily accessible is a simple but vital step. We posted important phone numbers and addresses on the fridge, including poison control, our pediatrician, and the nearest hospital. This gave us quick access during any urgent situation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking Small Details
It’s easy to overlook small details in baby-proofing. I learned this the hard way when our son found a stray button under the couch – a potential choking hazard we hadn’t considered. Regularly checking for small objects that might have fallen out of sight is crucial.
Relying Solely on Store-Bought Solutions
While baby-proofing products are helpful, nothing replaces vigilant supervision. One afternoon, despite all our precautions, our son managed to climb onto a chair. Thankfully, we were nearby and able to intervene. Always keep an eye on your child, even in a baby-proofed home. Dangers lurk in every corner when babies and toddlers are not correctly supervised.
Not Updating Baby-Proofing as Baby Grows
As babies grow, their abilities change, and so should your baby-proofing measures. When our son started walking, we had to re-evaluate and update our home’s safety features. For instance, we moved fragile items to higher shelves and adjusted the height of baby gates. We also had to add new safety precautions to the bathroom as he got older and started wanting to lift the toilet bowl lid.
Conclusion
Baby-proofing your home is an ongoing process that evolves as your child grows. It requires a combination of the right products, constant vigilance, and regular updates. From installing safety gates to securing heavy furniture and removing breakable decor, each step contributes to creating a safer environment for your little one.
Reflecting on our journey, I’m grateful for the peace of mind that baby-proofing has brought us. It’s allowed us to focus more on enjoying our time with our son, knowing he’s safe to explore his surroundings.
I encourage you to start baby-proofing your home today. Share your own experiences and tips – we’d love to hear your stories and any additional advice you have. Together, we can create safer spaces for our children to thrive and grow.
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