3.27.2008

How to Baby Proof Your Home

With the arrival of a new baby comes many responsibilities. One of the first things you'll want to do is make sure that your home is properly baby proofed. Here are just a few things to keep in mind to prepare your home for the little one:

  • Make sure cabinets and drawers are equipped with safety latches.
  • Tie up blind and curtain cords so that they're out of reach.
  • Install door stops/holders so their fingers don't get caught in doors.
  • Keep your spare change in a sealed jar as shiny coins can attract a baby's attention and can be easily choked on.
  • Securely mount your bookshelves to the wall so if your little one decides to climb them, they won't come tumbling down.
  • Cover unused electrical outlets with safety plugs so they're not able to shove keys or other objects into them.
  • Place a baby gate at the top and bottom of your staircase. Make sure that the gate at the top of the stairs is attached directly to the wall -- not just pressure mounted.

It's best to baby proof your home before your little one is born as once you're a tired new parent, baby proofing will be the last thing on your mind! To get an idea of potential hazards, get down on all fours and crawl around for a while to see things from their perspective. To be extra safe, consider hiring a professional baby proofer.

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