Baby Proofing Tips For New And Experienced Parents

Photo Credit: The Art Of Making A Baby

You have done the basics. Baby gates are up, outlets covered, cabinets locked, sharp edges are padded, and the rug has a non-skid mat underneath. That’s everything right? Unfortunately, baby and toddler proofing your home shouldn’t stop there. There are a few more hazards that need to be identified and secured before your little one is truly safe at home.

Get the towel off of the oven door

This is probably the easiest change to make logistically but one of the hardest habits to break when it comes to baby proofing. This towel is like a waving flag to any passing little one. All it takes is one yank and a child, who would be too small to open the oven otherwise, is either hit with the heavy door or now has access to this dangerous appliance. Simply put a 3M hook inside a cabinet door or on a wall for the towel to hang on, it will be just as convenient and much safer.

Store all remotes out of reach

Children are drawn to anything with a lot of buttons, which makes remotes absolute gold. Unfortunately, batteries break down extremely quickly so a swallowed one can do damage to the child’s esophagus and digestive system in no time. Be especially cautious with any electronic device containing small watch batteries, they are incredibly easy for a child to confuse with food and ingest. Consider putting them all in a small basket like this, on a shelf out of reach whenever they are not in use.

Photo Credit: With A Red Bird On My Shoulder

Heavy furniture, of all sizes,  should be fastened to the wall

We know a large bookcase could do some serious harm if it falls on a child, but so can a small dresser. If it’s heavier than your child and could get knocked over, secure it to the wall. Furniture can be easily fastened to the wall using one or two of these.

Secure any tube TVs

This is along the same lines as small dressers. Tube TVs can be tipped easily when placed on top of a stand or table. The table shouldn’t be trusted to hold up to a 3 year old using it as a climbing wall. If the table flips it will send the toddler to the floor, followed shortly by an incredibly heavy television.

Be careful with common items

Watch out for the little things you may have a bad habit of all leaving around the house. Small objects such as jewelry, change, hair ties, or even scraps of paper. All of these things are very possible choking hazards. Make a routine of emptying pockets when you come home so none of these miscellaneous items fall where your little one can get to them.