baby proof
YOUR HOME BEFORE SHE STARTS CRAWLING
All too quickly, that cute little bundle you brought home grows into a bouncing baby, keen on exploring the world around him. With newfound mobility on their side, crawling babies enjoy the experience of being able to
motor along to where they’d like to be or get closer to something they’d like to see. With that hair-raising thought on your mind, it’s time to explore good ways to babyproof your home.
YOUR EYES ARE YOUR BEST TOOLS
The very best and most important tool you can use to ensure your child’s safety cannot be bought in a store. It’s you and your eagle eyes. Always actively supervise your child, even if he’s ensconced in a playpen. If your child tries to grab something that’s definitely not suitable for him, remove it from his grasp and offer him an appropriate alternative. For example, if he tries to grab
the remote, take it away and hand him a small toy instead. Always be consistent in doing this as your child will soon learn what he can and can’t play with.
GET ON DOWN TO BABY TOWN
The best way to ascertain what kind of babyproofing you need to do in your home is to get down to your baby’s level. So lie on the floor and take a careful look around at what’s nearest to your baby at that level. If that includes plug points, sharp edges, stairs or other potentially hazardous items, make a note of them and act on making them safe for your crawling child.
PUT IT AWAY
Rather than spending money on babyproofing products, put your precious items away. Store breakables in high places and put precious trinkets into storage until your baby is older. Most importantly, make sure you keep all poisonous chemicals and detergents in high placed cupboards. Almost all of us use the cupboards under the sink to keep our dishwashing liquid and other household detergents at close hand, so rearrange your
kitchen so that nothing but good old Tupperware is within your baby’s reach.
DOOR, WINDOW & BLIND HOTSPOTS
If there is a room in your house that’s not suitable for your baby, keep the door to it closed. With windows, especially low-lying or floor-to-ceiling windows, keep them closed and latched to avoid any accidents. And ensure that any curtain ties or blind cables are hooked up high so that your baby will not play with, or become entangled in, them. Similarly important, ensure that you have hidden all electrical or equipment cords, as these are significantly dangerous to crawling babies and could lead to entanglement or electrocution if tampered with by little hands.
PREVENT KITCHEN AND BATHROOM CATASTROPHES Statistically, the most dangerous room in your home is your kitchen, as that’s where many household accidents occur. If you feed your pet in the kitchen, it’s time to move their bowls outside, or else your child may end up stealing Fido’s dinner or making a splash in his water bowl.
AVOID THE STAIRS
If your home has stairs, it’s imperative that you install a safety gate at the top and bottom. That way, you can let your child safely explore all levels of your house, without worrying too much about them taking a tumble.
FURNITURE IS OUR FRIEND
As children learn to pull themselves up to a standing position, they will grab on to items of furniture, whether it’s a table, bookcase or couch. Make sure that your furniture provides your child with a secure leaning post, and does not topple over when leant on or grabbed.