Making Your Home Safe For Your Baby
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently reported that millions of children are injured each year within their homes. New parents are often unprepared for the dangers to which their babies are exposed; they neglect to take preventative measures to safeguard them. Household items, such as fixtures, lamps, and cords can be easily forgotten, yet pose serious risks for your baby.
Below, you’ll learn how to make your home safe for your infant. We’ll describe how to see things from your baby’s point of view. We’ll also provide useful tips for childproofing outlets, furniture, and other hazards throughout your house.
The World From Your Infant’s Perspective
Your toddler’s perspective will be vastly unlike your own. After all, the world looks much differently when viewed from six feet off the ground than from mere inches. Parents often have a difficult time identifying potential dangers because they’re not looking at their home from their infant’s point of view.
The best way to find hidden sources of danger is to get down on all fours and see the world as your baby sees it. Whether she’s crawling or walking, what might she reach out and grab? For example, have you placed a vase on a low end table? Have your stored dangerous items (i.e. household cleaning products, dish detergent, etc.) in low cabinets? Are there loose cords laying about on the floor?
Look at each room in your home through your baby’s eyes.
Outlets And Furniture
Outlets are particularly hazardous to infants, especially as they begin to crawl; they’re low to the ground which makes them easily accessible. There are a couple of ways to make them safe. The most common method is to purchase small plug-in covers that can be inserted directly into the outlet. But, given the chance, your toddler might put the covers in her mouth. A better solution is to replace the entire covering with an alternative that firmly latches into place.
Furniture presents a unique danger. As your infant learns to crawl and walk, she’ll also discover the joys of climbing on chairs, tables, and dressers. Bookcases become jungle gyms. Dresser drawers become makeshift ladders. Television sets and coffee tables become items on which to practice her pulling ability. Use plastic bumpers to cover sharp corners, bolt as many large pieces of furniture to their adjoining walls as you can, and move heavy objects away from edges.
The Value Of Safety Gates
Not all safety gates are created equal. First, always choose a newer model. Many of the older gates used an accordion design that can close upon your baby, suffocating her. Even some of the newer gate designs are less than effective and potentially dangerous.
Choose a safety gate that can be screwed into a wall rather than relying solely upon pressure to stay in place. You may be surprised by how easily a determined infant can push a pressure-based gate down.
Childproofing your home requires time and effort. But, when it comes to the safety and well-being of your baby, every investment is a good one.
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