Have some good news on the way? Whether you are an expecting parent, grandparent, or loving caregiver, you’ll want to make sure you create a safe environment for that little bundle of joy! Baby proofing should happen not only before you bring your newborn home, but also when they become more active. Even though your little one isn’t active right away, you should take steps to keep yourself (and baby) safe while they’re in your arms. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s meant to guide and give you ideas on a place to start.
Newborn:
-Make sure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date with new batteries, and purchase a fire extinguisher if you don’t have one
-Make sure all of your locks, garage door sensors, and security systems are working, including monitors in the baby’s room
-Restock your first aid kit, and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is (and store it out of baby’s reach, along with all medications)
-Check your walls for any flaking paint, and check your trim and baseboards for any areas that need repair
-Put non-slip pads underneath any rugs
-Secure your furniture so there are no tip-over accidents, and cover any sharp edges or corners
-Move all electrical cords behind furniture, and use cord covers
-Finish painting or wallpapering at least 8 weeks before baby is due to avoid exposure to fumes
-Put together all furniture early, and make sure it’s free from splinters, screws hanging out, etc.
-If you have a backyard, check to make sure that your fence locks or latches properly, and put at least a four-foot fence around your pool
-Check your home and garden for any poisonous plants, and get them out of baby’s reach
Crawling, Rolling Over, Cruising, and Walking:
-Take another look around your home at baby’s level. Baby’s height, reach, and mobility have all changed! Think about anything at these different levels that your baby could pull, chew on, tug, or swallow, and get it out of the way or secure it
-Put safety covers over all electrical outlets, and make sure to unplug electronic devices that you’re not using
-Put baby gates at the top and bottom of every flight of stairs
-Latch cupboards and drawers closed to prevent unsupervised exploration
-Don’t forget your bathroom and bedroom–keep any sharp objects (like razors) or potentially harmful clothing items (like scarves, necklaces, and ties) well out of baby’s way
-Put lockable lids on garbage cans
-Keep hot beverages and pots and pans well away from the edges of counters and stovetops
-Put safety latches on your refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, front-loading washers and dryers, and toilet
-Keep your tables and floors clean to prevent baby from choking hazards
-Secure any non-mountable TVs to sturdy furniture, as well as putting any gaming consoles, laptops, DVD players, and other electronics up out of baby’s reach
-Install window guards and stops, secure any cords from curtains or blinds, and put colorful window clings on large panes of glass (like sliding glass doors), to prevent accidents
If you have questions about baby proofing your home, talk to your doctor. For questions about correct car seat installation, call your local police department for a free inspection. If you need any assistance with anything on this list, call Hunter Handyman Services at (815) 780-7884 for a free estimate. We would be honored to be a part of making your home a safe and happy space for your new bundle of joy!
Comments