How to Baby Proof Your Home

As your little one starts crawling and walking around the house, it may be time to think about how to baby-proof your home. Even before your baby is able to crawl, they may encounter some hazards in your home, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead how you can protect them. Here's a list of the different ways in which you can prepare your home without needing to splurge on all of the expensive gadgets available on the market.

Make Sure Your Baby Sleeps Safely

One of the most immediate risks may not actually be so obvious since cribs and baby toys are made with the safety of your little one in mind. Nevertheless, the size of the crib you buy needs to match your baby’s age since a tall-sided crib can make for quite a rough landing once your baby is able to launch themselves over the side. Also, be mindful of placing anything in the crib, including any cute and cuddly-looking toys, since they can all lead to a breathing or choking hazard. The crib should be kept as plain and simple as possible, with nothing inside apart from your adorable little baby who will be completely content without the use of even a pillow or duvet. I used a swaddle for Justice and transitioned to a sleep sack once he learns to roll over himself.

Pay Attention at Bath Time

The bath and any small body of water can pose a risk to babies. No babies should be left unattended alone during bathing. Secondly, always check if the temperature gets too hot; it should be just warm at around thirty-five degrees, which can be tested with a thermometer until you get familiar with this temperature. You may also want to look into other good to have items such as soft covers for bath spouts and taps and a bath seat for your baby to sit in. However, all of these should not replace your attendance at bath times with your little one.

Look Out for Heavy Objects

This is more of something to look out for once your baby is around nine months old. This is the age at which they will start to enjoy playing and moving around on the floor and pulling at various objects. At this stage, it is advisable that you get on the ground with them and explore the room from their perspective to gauge whether you think any lurking objects may pose a threat to your baby if pulled off or over. This can mean removing any heavy objects, like books from a bookshelf or house plants from a sideboard or perhaps even moving your television from a stand to a wall mount.

Be Wary of Electricity

This is more of a precaution to take when your baby is around one year old. However, the sooner the better when baby-proofing electricity in your home. Firstly, ensure that all electrical sockets that aren’t in use are fitted with outlet covers to prevent your baby from sticking anything inside. Secondly, keep all electrical cords hidden and unplugged appliances out of sight. Since you will probably be using these appliances on a daily basis, it's best that you get an EICR report. Getting an EICR report from Trade Facilities Services will provide you with information about whether or not there is a risk of electric shock and if all electric circuits are in good condition and safe to use in the form of a report. Using the information from this report, you can protect your new family from any faults that may be present in your electrical circuits and appliances.

 

Don’t Forget Your Car

Now that you are informed about some of the ways that you can baby-proof your home, you should continue this practice wherever else your baby might end up. The car is the second place your baby will encounter after the hospital, and therefore it also needs to be prepared to a safe standard for welcoming your newborn. You will need an approved rear-facing car seat in the back seat of your car before you can even consider bringing your baby home from the hospital. Make sure to check your car seat manual on how to properly install it in your car. For safety, you can also get it inspected by a local certified child passenger technician. Next, you must remove any small items that could pose a choking hazard, such as coins or pens, and install stick-on sunshades if the sunlight in your area is particularly strong.

Once you have applied these baby proofing techniques to your home and car, you can focus on the excitement of bringing your newborn into your life, knowing that he or she will grow up in the safest environment possible.