Baby Proofing Your Home
Although it will be a few months before your newborn is crawling and exploring your home, experts recommend baby proofing shortly after bringing your baby home, if not before delivery. You don’t need to tackle the entire house at once, especially if you intend on only spending time in specific rooms. It will be helpful to purchase baby gates for the rooms you’ll be in the most, rooms with safety hazards, and stairways.
There are a few essentials that need to be checked that cover the entire house…
Ensure the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are charged or filled with fresh batteries
Purchase a first aid kid
Cover all outlets
For the kitchen…
Install cabinet locks where toxic products like bleach and cleaners are. Fridge and freezer locks are also a great option to prevent your baby from getting into unsafe products.
Unplug all appliances and put up all dangling or unused cords
Store knives/kitchen appliances with sharp edges far from the edge of counters or in cabinets with cabinet locks
For the living room…
Cover sharp edges of coffee/end tables
Hide or tidy up electrical and window cords
Install window guards
For the bathroom…
Install cabinet locks where toxic products and small appliances are
Store medications and toiletries in higher shelves/harder to reach places
Purchase a garbage can with a lid
Lock your toilet seat with a safety latch
For the nursery…
Install cordless window coverings to prevent the risk of strangulation or entanglement
Ensure the dresser and changing table is pressed fully against the wall
Leave the crib completely bare (no bumper, comforter, stuffed animals, or pillows)
