It seems every parent can agree on at least one thing: kids grow up fast.
Before you know it, your newborn will be on the move. And with all the adventure and exploration to be had right at home, it’s a good idea to take the small steps needed to secure it.
With even a small amount of baby proofing, everyone wins. Your child will stay safe, and you’ll have some added, and much-needed peace of mind (at least, as much as possible).
To help, we’ve put together a list of tips to get it done. Some will be easier than others, and some may be more important to you than others, so feel free to jump around and decide what you’d like to check off the list.
Without further delay, here’s how to baby proof your new home:
Cover Your Power Outlets
At the top of the list: covering your power outlets. This one is a no-brainer.
Not only is it extremely easy and affordable to do, it’s smart. Outlets are designed for convenience and discretion, but that unfortunately puts them right at baby-level.
So get some plastic inserts or swivel covers and search for unused and easy-to-reach outlets.
Guard and Protect Furniture
Sharp corners.
For adults, they can be a real wake-up call when we stumble through the dark living room at midnight.
But for young children, they can be a bit more of a hazard.
Look for particularly exposed and sharp corners, and cover them with plastic or foam guards.
For taller, heavier pieces of furniture – one that might look fun to climb, let’s say – secure them with tip-resistant straps and hardware.
Secure Cabinets and Drawers
Take a look around your house.
Chances are, some low-positioned cabinets and drawers hold items you’d prefer to keep out of your child’s hands.
Luckily, there have been quite a few innovations to solve this problem in the least parent-frustrating way possible.
A crowd favorite has been magnetic latches, thanks to their fast install and easy-to-use mechanism.
But of course, there are plenty of alternatives, including screw in latches and elastic lockers.
Doors, Locks and Knobs
Some rooms in your home may be best to keep off limits altogether.
If actual door locks will become a nuisance for everyone else, you can find a variety of door knob covers that do the trick, while allowing older children and adults to come in and out with no problem.
Set-Up Baby Gates
In some cases, baby gates are a must have. Especially for stairways.
So decide on where you think a baby gate is the best solution, and set it up.
Rest assured, most gates are very easy to install and open or close without too much inconvenience.
Cool Down Your Hot Water
If you don’t rely on piping hot water running to your faucets, consider lowering the target temperature on your water heater.
A temperature around 140 degrees is still plenty hot for taking a shower or doing the dishes, but poses much less of a threat to curious kids.
Teach Them
Although it can be tempting to load up the shopping cart with baby proofing for the entire house, you don’t want to miss opportunities to teach your children boundaries.
If something in your home isn’t dangerous, opt to instead show them how to responsibly handle it.
Use your judgement here. But the transition out of baby proofing will be a lot easier if your child is shown how to manage certain hazards – not just shielded from them.
Still need a home to baby proof? Come visit us at True Homes to see what we have available for you.