Although it’s great when your kid first begins to crawl, this is a surefire sign that you need to baby-proof your house. Most parents start by covering doors, corners, and hot surfaces. But while baby-proofing your house, there are a few places that are simple to forget. The majority of household injuries can be avoided with the right safety measures. To assist keep your children safe when they’re on the road, we’ve whittled down the top locations that are simple to ignore.
#1 Fireplace
Your baby can pry even if the fireplace isn’t lit. If nothing prevents them from exploring this new territory, they will. However, even when they are turned off, fireplaces can be hazardous. A wall-mounted baby gate is required if you use your fireplace for the best defense against it and any tools. You can also use a fireplace door lock or a hearth gate. Some parents erect DIY barriers out of toys or household items, but be careful because they could be combustible and hazardous. Check out baby gates for the fireplace.
#2 – Blinds & Curtains
Blinds and the risks they bring are simple to ignore. Strangulation and even death can result from the blind cord. Although cordless blinds are the safest option, there are other choices as well, particularly if you don’t want to completely redo your windows. To preserve your blinds in tact, look for cord safety stops or winders. To keep cables out of your child’s reach, make sure there are no dangling ones and cut any pull cords as short as possible. Check out products to keep curtains babyproof.
#3 – Garage
When babyproofing your house it’s important to think beyond the back door. You might easily ignore the numerous risks your infant faces in your garage. To prevent your kid from getting into the garage, keep all of your doors closed at all times. Additionally, keep your child’s access to the garage door opener restricted. To avoid any accidents, always keep chemicals, tools, and outdoor toys securely inside of childproof containers.
#4 – Hot water heating
More people are hospitalized and killed by hot tap water burns than by any other hot liquid. While playing in any body of water is risky, getting burned or scalded by hot water can be more painful. To be safe, make sure the temperature at which your hot water is heated is set below 37 degrees celcius. All faucets should be secured with locks and covers, especially in the bathroom where several babies enjoy splashing around in the sink, toilet, and bathtub.
#5 – Tablecloths
Although they might seem good at the dinner table, table linens can be harmful to infants. Any dishes or glass on the table could damage your child if they pull it down. Additionally, they risk falling if they lift themselves with the help of the tablecloth. Think about taking the tablecloths and other linens off. To be on the safe side in case your infant becomes curious, it is recommended to keep the table free of plates and decorations. See what other options there are for babyproofing furniture at home.
#6 – Windows
Unfortunately, screens on windows can cause kids to slip out. Every year, window falls result in thoiusands of hospital admissions for youngsters with injuries. To avoid kids being drawn to toys and furniture near windows, keep them out of reach. Keep windows closed and locked when not in use. Keep your child in sight at all times when utilizing a window. Add window guards for added security to help you stay vigilant when windows are open. When your baby is visiting, don’t be afraid to warn your loved ones to be careful around windows.
#7 – Stove
Your stove is hazardous for kids whether it is on or not. To keep your youngster from turning on the stove or removing stove knobs, add stove knob covers. In addition, install an oven lock to prevent kids from opening the door. Use the back burners in the kitchen to keep the hot surface farther away from your child. For the best oven and kitchen safety, think about making it a house rule to keep kids out of the kitchen unattended.
Other Baby-Proofing Tips
Your need to baby-or toddler-proof your home will increase as your child learns more. Here are some further recommendations from professionals to assess your home’s safety for your child:
- Look around your house for heavy items. These items have the potential to gravely hurt your kid if they fall over.
- To stop furniture from tipping over, firmly fasten it to the wall.
- Wherever there is risk, add gates. Don’t be afraid to install gates to restrict your child from accessing the kitchen, the staircase, or the fireplace. If having more brings you more peace of mind, you can never have too much.
- Put your infant in a protective playpen, jumper, or seat whenever you’re cleaning or using potentially harmful equipment. They can enjoy themselves, and you can focus on your tasks with confidence knowing they are safe.
- Remember to perform the little item test. Check the object’s compatibility with a cardboard toilet paper roll. If an object can fir through a toilet rll it is likely a choking hazard.
As your child grows, their curiosity will increase. Consider baby-proofing your home both now and in the future. To begin, lie down on the ground and look at the situation from the viewpoint of your infant. Many organizations in your region can assist you with safely baby-proofing your home if you need them. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance to keep your infant safe, and consider babyproofing kits to get started on your safety journey.