Baby-proofing Your Home

In the blink of an eye, your baby has gone from stationary being to a little person on the move. All this new mobility – rolling, scooting, crawling, or even pulling to a stand – means he'll be getting into things and places with a lot more ease, and often when your back is turned. Now that he's better at grabbing and moving things around, it's time to do some childproofing.

A Few Tips to Help You Get a Jump on Battening Down the Hatches:

• Move things out of the way. Appliances, breakables, and cords should be moved away from the crib and bathing and diaper changing areas.

• Get lower for diaper changes. Start changing your baby's diaper on a lower surface – even the floor – where he can't roll off. If you continue using a changing table, have a hand on him the whole time you're changing him.

• Clear the crib. Keep large stuffed animals, bumpers, and pillows out of your baby's bed so he can't boost himself out.

• Prevent spills. Move the crib base/mattress support down so he can't fall over the top rail.

• Watch out for sharp corners. Put corner guards on table edges to prevent painful knocks and scrapes.

• Bar the stairs. Set up barriers at the top and bottom of the staircase so he can't climb up or down when you're back is turned.

• Electricity. Cover electrical outlets, even if they're too small for his little fingers. It's best to just avoid the risk of a shock. 

The Bottom Line

Watching your baby discover more of his world is amazing, but it also means he's more exposed to potential danger. By taking the steps to properly childproofing your home, he can explore his surroundings while staying safe.

Related Articles:

• Baby Proofing Stair Gates and Fences

• Laundry Room Safety

• Bathroom Safety for Children

• Baby safety around the house