How To Baby Proof Your Home

As your baby becomes more mobile, he's more prone to getting hurt. And though you can't protect your little one from every bump and bruise, baby-proofing you can ensure that your home is a little less dangerous. Though you might not realize it, everyday items around your home can cause everything from a little cut or bruise to a life-threatening condition. Injury is the leading cause of death in children under 14 years old, and over one-third of those injuries occur at home. 70% of children who die from home injuries are under four years old. Your child doesn't need to be part of that statistic, if you prepare.

Adult Supervision Required

Unfortunately, there are many parents who wish they could just go back and re-claim the two or three minutes they left their child alone and he was seriously injured. Answering the telephone while baby is in the tub, or leaving a crawling baby in a room unattended even for a moment can have disastrous consequences. If you need to attend to other things place your baby in his crib, a playpen or other confined area where he can't get into trouble.

H20 Hazards

Drowning is all too common with small children. If you have a swimming pool, make sure that it is fenced and has a locked gate at all times. However, children can drown in even a few inches of water. Because children's heads are often bigger than the rest of their bodies they are pretty "top-heavy." If they lean over too far, they're apt to fall into buckets or toilets, lifting their little feet off the ground. Then they're stuck, and can easily drown. Never leave buckets of water or cleaning solution sitting around, and keep bathroom doors closed. You can purchase an inexpensive toilet lock to keep inquisitive toddlers out of the commode.

Scalds are another typical injury seen at the ER. Make sure to set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees, and never leave a small child or infant in a bathtub unattended. When cooking on the stove, keep pan handles turned to the side so little ones can't reach up and pull a hot meal down on top of themselves.

Suffocating/Choking Hazards

Babies love to put things in their mouths - it's one way they learn about their environment. Of course, there are many things that simply don't belong in baby's mouth! Make sure he can't get hold of plastic bags. And latex balloons, whether inflated or not, pose a huge choking hazard.

Small infants should not have pillows or stuffed animals in their crib or anyplace else they sleep.

If you have older children, make sure that they keep small toys and puzzle pieces picked up and out of baby's reach.

Electricity

Cover all outlets, and make sure any cords to appliances are tucked away. Crawl around on your hands and knees to find all the dangers - your child is sure to find the one outlet you don't cover!

Secure Heavy Furniture

Heavy armoires or dressers should be secured to the wall, so that a baby pulling himself up to them doesn't tip them over. You can purchase special straps for this purpose. Televisions should only be placed on top of furniture specially designed to hold them - otherwise there may be a tipping hazard.

Pesticides and Poisons

Install latches on all cabinet doors, and keep pesticides and cleaning products stored up high where baby can't reach. Medication should also be stored far from children's curious little fingers.

Keep carpet vacuumed, and hard floors cleaned regularly, and remove shoes upon entering your home. Shoes can track in pesticides and fertilizer, or pet feces.

Keep houseplants away from baby, too. She may be tempted to have a little nibble, and some are poisonous. And the potting soil is never a good dietary supplement!

Enjoy a Gated Community

Install gates on all stairs - a tumble can cause everything from a nasty bump, to death. Infant walkers should never, ever be used in any home with stairs.

Sharp Edges and Hard Spots

Remove or install padding on coffee tables with sharp edges or corners, and baby-proof your fireplace and hearth.

Hand-Me-Down Hazards

Second-hand clothing or toys can be a godsend when trying to save money, but make sure they're safe for your baby. Clothing shouldn't have loose buttons or snaps, or strings of any kind. Toys should be free of lead-based paint or loose parts. And crib slats should be no farther than 6.1 cm apart.

With a little planning and a tour of your home on hands and knees, you'll be ready for baby to go exploring safely!

About The Author Katie Franklin is a researcher and writer on parenting, children and child development. She is a regular contributor at Child Development Media Inc She also contributes at Quality Toys and Hobbies