Babies and toddlers are a handful. If you take your eyes off them for even a second, their curiosity can quickly lead to danger. Babyproofing your home prevents accidents and injuries. Here are 6 tips for babyproofing your home.
Tips for Babyproofing Your Home
Babyproof Your Cabinet Doors
Safeguard your kitchen and bathroom by putting magnetic locks on the cabinets. Put them on the inside of the cabinets so they are not visible. Cabinet locks protect your child from dangerous items or chemicals that might be stored inside cabinets.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Out of Your Child’s Reach
Most cleaning detergents have brightly colored bottles and enticing smells that are tempting to your baby. Household cleaners and laundry soaps are poisonous if a baby ingests them.
To protect your baby from easily accessing these, always store cleaning supplies beyond their reach. If kept in a closet or lower cabinet, make sure they are locked.
Open Toy Boxes
Anything with a heavy lid can be dangerous for a baby. It’s best to take the cover off any toy chests and leave them open. Also, cover the sharp edges of the box and tables in the home to prevent bumps and bruises.
Prevent Injuries from Falls
The best way for your baby to learn about the world around them is by exploring it. If your baby is learning to walk, they need an open, safe area to walk around in.
While you’ll likely be watching to make sure they’re ok, you probably won’t pick them up every time they stumble. They have to learn to pick themselves up and try again.
Put thick, soft carpets or rugs in the nursery to pad the floor. Doing this will cushion your baby when they inevitably fall. Add corner guards made specifically for babyproofing on chairs and tables. Anchor heavy objects to the wall so they will not topple over if your baby pulls on them.
Babyproofing Your Home Includes the Doors
When your baby starts walking, he or she will be eager to explore. It’s best to keep any potentially dangerous things out of your baby’s reach while they’re learning how to twist and open the doorknobs. To babyproof your home, install hinge covers and finger pinch guards on all doors that can be accessed by the baby.
Cover Electrical Outlets When Babyproofing Your Home
Once your baby is mobile and crawling or walking around, they are naturally curious and may try to play with an electrical outlet. Cover all electrical outlets and bundle electrical wires together securely. This is a critical step in babyproofing your home.
Anderson Home Inspections offers home inspection services in Central Ohio. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request an appointment.