It’s Child Safety Month — Is Your Home Baby-Proof?

Children are just as notorious as pets when it comes to getting into things that they shouldn’t, and baby-proofing your home can be as intensive as pet-proofing. It can be hard to know where to start, what to hide, and where to hide it, but you’ll be grateful that you took those steps when your child begins taking theirs.

Whether your child is still a crib-dweller or already learning to crawl and walk, baby-proofing is a necessary step in making sure that they don’t accidentally hurt themselves while adventuring. Here are a few important tips and tricks to prepare you for this exploratory stage in your child’s life.

• Redecorate. Hide your houseplants, get rid of the dangerous ones, and stash all of your breakables on high-shelves or in cabinets. Children are good at finding what you don’t want them to find, so while it may be a shame that you have to put away all of your pre-baby decorations, it’s for the best. Put breakable dishes out of reach, and don’t leave things on counters or tables in case they try to reach up and grab them.
• Section off your pet(s) area(s). Aside from the risks of your child eating pet food or splashing around in your dog’s water bowl, litter boxes and accident-prone areas can be a minefield for babies that like to put things in their mouths. While it’s gross to consider, make sure that there is no risk of your child coming in contact with pet waste or vomit. Gates are great to use to section off the “animal friendly” areas of your home, which will allow your inquisitive baby to look but not touch.
• Protect wires and electrical sockets. Plastic socket-plugs and wire-tape are both great ways to protect your child from accidentally electrocuting themselves. Hide as many wires as you can behind furniture or tape them to the floor so they cannot be pulled on. Try mounting your televisions far out of their reach with covers over the cords. Block off computer-rooms and offices to avoid any unwanted plundering. Set aside a playroom that is free of wires, to act as a distraction from all of the other rooms that may look so inviting.
• Barricade your home. While this sounds more like a survival tip than a baby-proofing tip, make sure to separate your home into baby-safe areas and no-baby areas with gates and locked doors. Block off studies, bathrooms, and staircases carefully, and if you feel like the kitchen is unsafe, block that off too.
• Fix your furniture. Soften hard edges and corners with baby-proof bumpers, and make sure to secure anything that they can pull down on top of themselves. Lamps, centerpieces, and even the furniture pieces themselves can be hazardous, so make sure everything is bolted down or secure before letting your little one loose in the room. Edges of countertops may need additional cushioning to avoid bumped heads in the future.
• Check the locks. Whether it’s a door lock, a fridge lock, or a cabinet lock, these can become lifesavers. Make sure to seal away all chemicals, alcohol, and hazardous items from your child. While it may feel like a hassle to bypass your own security system every time you want to open a drawer or cabinet, the effort is necessary to prevent your child from hurting themselves.
• Take steps to avoid burns, drowning, or falls. Pool covers and gated pools are key to avoiding an unwanted fall into the pool. Baby-proofed kitchens are important as well. Make sure that you cook on the back burners if your child is present, and that your child cannot reach up and pull hot pots or pans onto themselves. Avoid letting your child near grills, fireplaces, and high windows, and try sectioning them off just in case.

It’s likely that your child will get into quite a bit of trouble, but the difference between an injured child and a torn-up book or magazine is a long stretch. While accidents do happen, taking steps to avoid or minimize them can protect your child from serious harm.

Have you found a way to childproof that is unique and effective? Share it with us and follow the Official Real Estate Agent Directory® for more lifestyle tips to keep your home happy and healthy.