Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of your
greatest concerns and responsibilities. There is so much to
consider and it is very easy to overlook something that
might be fairly obvious to some but escape others. Things
like covering electrical outlets, putting up baby gates and
turning pot handles to the rear of the stove are discussed
in this article and is presented in a question and answer
format.
Q. What is the best way to approach baby-proofing our
home?
The best way is to see your home from the eyes of your
child. It is recommended that you get down on your hands and
knees and crawl around your home. This will enable you to
see hazards you might not have recognized at your full
height. Are electrical outlets in baby’s reach or are there
electric cords hanging down that your baby can pull on or
get tangled in? Does your furniture have sharp corners? Are
there precious items at your baby’s level that should be put
up out of reach?
Q. What is the most hazardous situation for my baby?
Any situation that places your baby in harm’s way is the
worst situation for your baby. The most hazardous situation
for your baby is choking or anything that might cause him to
stop breathing. The most hazardous situation for you baby is
one that caused an injury that could have been prevented.
Q. What are some things I need to consider when I am
baby-proofing our home?
There are many things to consider. Your baby is a quick
mover so it is never really safe to leave him unattended if
at all possible. Consider putting up all valuables and
breakable items out of reach of your baby’s. Anything that
is small enough to fit in his mouth should be removed. If in
doubt as to whether any one item is small enough to fit in
your baby’s mouth and pose a choking hazard take an empty
toilet paper roll. If it fits inside the tube it go in his
mouth and possibly harm him.
Q. Why do I need baby safety gates?
Baby safety gates can be placed in doorways or at the top
and bottom of staircases. The gates can prevent your baby
from getting into the kitchen or bathroom. They can also
prevent your baby from tumbling down the stairs or climbing
the stairs and falling. The mesh or the holes in the gate
should not be large enough for your baby to put his toes
through to climb the gate. Gates now are being made to
operate hands-free or one handed. There are gates being made
with the bars going vertical instead of horizontal reducing
the chances of your baby being able to climb the gate.
Q. What are electric outlet covers or locks?
Electric outlet covers look like plastic plugs when they
are inserted and prevents your baby from sticking his
fingers or something else in the outlet and getting a
serious shock. Electric outlet lock plates can replace
typical outlets and in order to insert anything into the
outlet the plug has to be inserted and turned.
Q. It was suggested to me that I have motion alarms on
our doors and windows, why would I need them?
Some kids are very active and able to do things you would
be very surprise about. Children have been known to open
windows and fall through screens and become seriously
injured. There are many news stories where toddlers have
gotten up in the night and unbeknownst to their parents open
the door and go outside. Some are found wandering around and
others are not so lucky. Some windows now come with a
mechanism to prevent the window from being opened more than
an inch or two. The alarms will alert you to the door
opening and you can intervene before something tragic
happens.
Q. What kind of baby-proofing products are available?
There all kinds of baby products available and most are
reasonably priced. There are motion sensors, corner cushions
for sharp corners on furniture. There are electric outlet
covers, cabinet and drawer locks of different types and cord
retractors for window blinds.
Q. Is there anything available to protect my baby from
getting in between banister posts?
There is netting available that can be attached with
screws that will prevent your baby from getting between the
banister posts. This product is similar to the deck netting
available for outdoor decks.
Q. Are there baby proofing checklists available?
Yes there are baby-proofing checklists available. You can
locate them online and they are printable. Specialty stores,
hospitals, and pediatricians are all possible sources for
such checklists.
Q. How can I baby proof my nursery?
You can baby proof your nursery by keeping your baby’s
crib away from windows and blinds cords. Put outlet
protectors on all outlets. Make certain to dress your baby
in sleepers rather than using blankets. When your baby
begins sitting up place the mattress in the lowest position.
Do not put stuffed animals or pillows in the crib with your
little one, they could nestle up to them and suffocate.
Q. How can I baby proof my kitchen?
Put all cleaners or chemicals up out of reach of your
baby. Make sure all drawers and cabinet doors. While cooking
put all pot handles toward the rear of the stove. Do not
allow electric cords to hang over counters where your baby
can pull on them. Better still, if possible unless you are
feeding your baby keep him out of the kitchen.
Q. How can I baby proof my car?
You can baby proof your car by making sure the car seat
your baby will ride in is installed correctly and that it is
the correct one for your baby. Remove all loose items that
could become missiles in a crash or quick stop, and place
them in the trunk.
In Conclusion
The bottom line of baby proofing your home and your car
is to be mindful that the most common things can be
hazardous to a baby or small child. You can obtain a
checklist of things to look for when baby-proofing your
home. Window blinds cords should be shortened and outlets
should be covered. Look at your home and car through your
baby’s eyes, you might be surprised at hazards you miss when
you are looking from adult height.