Time flies and before you know it your baby is able to crawl or walk around your house or flat. You will need to baby-proof your home before this stage, to ensure that you have a safe environment for your baby to explore. Here is a list of some babyproofing ideas, so that you can begin working through your home and proactively start creating a safe place for your little one to explore.
When to babyproof the house
The best time to do this is ideally before your baby arrives, that way you can spend all your time focused on them. It is essential that you do this prior to them being able to crawl, and it is important to remember that baby-proofing your home is an ongoing task, and you should always have a watchful eye out for any potential hazards.
How to do it
Cover up plug sockets and electrical cables
We all know not to put something metal in a plug socket, but babies don’t yet! Try to purchase a lockable cover to fit over any power outlet. Once properly fitted, they are able to close even with a plug in there – which prevents your little one from getting their hands on it.
Add child-proof window locks
Baby-proofing your windows is important to ensure your baby doesn’t fall or topple out. Window restrictors allow your doors to open but only slightly, meaning that you can get some fresh air but your baby can’t get out – especially important for windows above ground floor level. Remember to lock windows with a key to stop your child from being able to open any!
Cover sharp corners
All sharp corners in the home should be cushioned to prevent injury, try to think from a child’s perspective and consider what they could be exposed to – coffee tables, TV units, dining tables etc. Ensure you have bought enough corner cards to cover everything in your home.
Block stairs with baby gates
If you have stairs in your home, you will need to purchase some baby gates for the top and bottom – to prevent them from trying to climb stairs unattended. Once you have installed them, it’s often a good idea to get into the habit of locking them from the start – so you are in the habit before they are going to be needed.
Replace regular candles with LED lanterns
To prevent your child from getting burnt and to reduce fire hazards, swap all candles that you have for LED lanterns. This is a lot better for the family as they will not breathe in any of the toxic fumes that candles create, as well as create a safer environment for all – giving you peace of mind.
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