When the littlest member of your family gets close to becoming mobile, it’s time to baby proof. Some people might enlist the help of a professional, but many take on the task themselves. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer then below are some tasks to get you started!
- Place baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Cover all sharp corners of furniture, counters, and cabinets with bumpers or padding.
- Insert safety plugs in all outlets or switch over to self closing outlet covers.
- Install blind cord wraps next to any windows with dangling cords.
- Add safety locks to all toilets. Lock cabinets and drawers in the bathrooms and kitchen.
- Secure furniture that can easily tip over, like bookshelves, TV stands, end tables, and sets of drawers, by anchoring them to the wall.
- Add pinch guards on the side of the doors.
- Install door knob or lever covers.
- Cover stove knobs and install an oven door lock.
- Purchase garbage cans with lids that lock.
- Mount your TVs on the wall and tuck away any loose cords.
- Set the water heater to no higher than 120 degrees to avoid scalding.
- Put window guards on screens.
- Hire someone to install a gate to enclose the pool, if applicable.
- Place any chemical products, like antifreeze and pesticide, on a high shelf in the garage.
- Lock away tools in a cabinet.
- Use cord holders to fasten cords to walls or hide them with a cover.
Although it takes a little time and work upfront, baby proofing properly will give you peace of mind and assurance that your little one will be protected from unintentional injuries in your home.