Baby-proofing a House for Baby Safety
As babies grow, they tend to explore their surroundings more eagerly and show an unflinching fascination with things that adults use on a day-to-day basis. A crawling and waddling baby will catch hold of almost any surface and play with any visible item in the house, causing accidental injuries or even injury-related death. Hence it is very important to start baby-proofing preparations in time to create a safe environment in your house.
Baby-proofing your home is essential to keeping your baby safe and secure, as it is not always possible for you to keep your baby in a safe environment, no matter how conscientious you are. Fortunately, there are a number of no-brainer baby safety initiatives you can take to create a safe haven for your baby by blocking out specific areas and easily accessible features of your house that might pose a threat to your baby. Mothercare has laid down guidelines for the basics of baby-proofing, simple safety precautions, practical tips to make your home safe.
Baby-proofing tips and baby safety essentials for your house
Start baby-proofing the parts and features of your house that you believe are the most important for you and your baby. Investing in the following baby safety essentials is the first step towards making your house a safe place for your little one.
Playpen
- There is no way you could have your baby crawling or toddling underfoot and focus on your work at the same time. Keep your baby’s playing ground safe and happy anywhere in the house and prevent them from wandering off with this easy-to-install and remove, portable design playpens that come with weather-resistant, mesh sides for easy visibility.
Furniture
- Make sure to attach corner and edge guards to all furniture units in the house.
- It’s best to check the conformity of all nursery furniture units to European Commission’s General Product Safety Directive.
Crib
- Be sure to buy a crib that has fixed rails. A drop-side rail is a big no- no for your baby.
- Make use of crib / cot bumpers to protect your baby (6 months & older) from bumps, bruises and the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Clear out soft items such as blankets, stuffed toys, pillows, cushions and comforters out of your baby’s sleeping space in the crib, as they may be a risk factor for SIDS.
- A great way to watch over your baby from wherever you are (anytime of the day and night) is by using a baby monitor, a smart device that is cordless and plugged into a wall socket or on a changing table, or attached to the crib rail.
- Place the crib away from the window blinds and drapes.
Doors & Windows
- Use durable doorstops/holders to prevent the door from being shut on your baby’s fingers.
- Use window guards on all windows.
- Make sure to tie down all window blinds and drapes with cords that are off your little one’s reach.
Stairways
- Block your floor-bound baby from entering the stairways or doorways with safety gates. These safety gates close off the stairway or doorway.
Electric sockets, cords and appliances
- All open electrical sockets must be replaced with baby-proof socket covers that block your baby’s fingers from making contact with holes in any type of sockets around the house.
- Insulate home wires, cables and electrical cords by taping them down. Unplug all electrical appliances and stow them away and out of reach.
Cupboards and storages units
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Baby-proof cupboard, cabinets and other storage units using a safety lock or latch to prevent your baby from opening them
- Make sure to put safety locks or latches on drawers and cupboards that contain any unsafe, hazardous items.
Bathroom
- One of the most hazardous rooms in the house your baby can find its way into is the bathroom. Make sure the toilet is fitted with a child-proof toilet lock.
- Keep all medications, and cosmetic products in a high baby-proofing cabinet away from your baby’s reach.
- Unplug and electrical appliances, such as curling iron, blow dryer, shaver etc., in a cabinet.
Kitchen
- The simple things around your kitchen may pose as dangers waiting to happen when your unrestrained baby makes their way in without your supervision. From the low-lying cabinets and sharp objects contained within to any electrical appliances and small magnets in the kitchen, anything your baby is playing chef with could be a risk for an impending accident.
- Lock and latch the cabinet doors and drawers securely from the prying fingers of your little one with child-safety locks, straps and dual-locking action latches.
- Keep the switches out of reach of your baby’s reach with
- Unplug all kitchen appliances and coil their electrical cords securely from the edge of the kitchen-top counter.
Although these baby-safety essentials are no substitute for adult supervision, they are critical to provide safety and indirect supervision to an unrestrained baby at home.
Check out a range of must-have baby safety products from Mothercare to keep your baby safe and secure at home.