If you are about to welcome a new baby into your home, you’ve probably done your fair share of reading on sleep schedules, breastfeeding, teething, when to expect what, and more. Have you thought about baby-proofing your home? Little ones love to explore and need a safe environment. So here are some tips to help you prepare for your precious little one’s arrival.
Secure Furniture that Could Topple
One of the biggest risks to little ones is furniture that has the potential to topple. As your baby learns to crawl, they will no doubt reach for just about anything that they can for support. TV stands, ironing boards, and bookshelves are some of the many items that your baby may try to grab onto. If these items aren’t sturdy and stable, they may be at risk of toppling. You can use furniture straps to make sure that everything is in place, and pay attention to how things are stacked.
Use Outlet Plugs
Children love to poke and pry around, and unfortunately, this sense of curiosity can sometimes be dangerous. Use outlet plugs for outlets that are close to ground level to prevent babies from sticking their fingers or objects into them, which could lead to shock and injuries.
Falling Hazards
WebMD reminds parents that babies learn to roll over, pull themselves up, and move around faster than expected. As your baby becomes more mobile, watch out for fall hazards. If a baby is not strapped into their highchair or shopping cart, for example, and tries to stand, they may topple out. Or, a child that is atop a table for a changing could roll off. Remember to always keep an eye on your child when they are above ground, and use precautions to prevent falls, such as staying nearby at all times and avoiding distractions such as cell phones.
Limit Access to Stairs, Low Cupboards, Pinch Points
As your child learns about their world, they will use their hands and body to explore anything in their immediate surroundings. Most of the time, this is good, but it does have the potential to be dangerous. Limiting access to stairs, cupboards, pinch points by using baby gates and child safety cabinet and door locks can be a good idea.
Toilet Safety
It sounds gross, but small children are absolutely fascinated by toilets – not to mention toilet paper! If they’re able to pull themselves up, they may very well be tempted to splish and splash in the potty, exposing them to germs or other hazards. The best way to prevent this is to know where your little one is at all times, or get in the habit of closing the bathroom door when not in use. There are even toilet locks you can use if it becomes a recurring problem.
Choose the Right Home for You at Any stage in Life
Anyone who has raised kids knows that kids need (safe) space. If you are looking to expand, you may need more space. At Hayden Homes, we offer a variety of modern, spacious new home plans to choose from. Contact us today and come tour one of our model homes in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to find out what’s right for you.