Babyproofing your home creates a safe space for your child. Tackle some of these steps before you bring the new baby home and the rest as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. Here are some common ways to babyproof your home.
#1 Check Your Hot Water Temperature
Make sure that the temperature on your water heater is set to no hotter than 120 degrees. If the water temperature exceeds 120, there is a risk of scalding your baby during bath time.
#2 One of the Best Ways to Babyproof Your Home is to Eliminate Physical Hazards
Before your baby begins crawling, you’ll need to take some more steps to babyproof your home.
- If they are sleeping in a crib and are able to pull themselves up, place a soft carpet or mat beside the crib. Don’t allow toys inside of the crib that they could use to climb over the rails.
- Soft floors provide a bit of cushion for babies learning to walk.
- Examine your furniture for sharp edges. Add padding to the corners or rearrange to eliminate any hazards.
- Add outlet covers to all electrical outlets.
- Hide cords so babies don’t get tangled or chew on them.
#3 Babyproof Your Home by Securing the Cabinets
If there are cabinets in areas where the baby plays, make sure they are secured with cabinet locks. Anything within reach of a curious toddler should be well-secured. Use babyproofing latches on sets of drawers, too.
#4 Limit Your Baby’s Access to Bathrooms in Your Home
Until it’s time to potty train, keeping your bathroom door closed will help babyproof your home. With access to water, cleaning and bath products, and a heavy toilet lid, the bathroom can be a dangerous place for babies.
#5 Make Windows Safe When Babyproofing Your Home
Some window accessories can be dangerous. If you have curtains or blinds, store the cords out of reach or install cordless blinds. You’ll also want to make sure children cannot open windows around the house.
#6 Exterior Doors
Babyproof your home by making sure that all of the exterior doors are secure. Toddlers are curious and it only takes a second for them to get out of sight. Latch exterior doors tightly so they cannot be pushed open by toddlers on the move.
#7 Gates are Useful Tools for Babyproofing
Baby gates are great for sectioning off a safe zone or keeping baby out of a dangerous area. Use gates to:
- Keep children away from stairways
- Block open doorways
- Surround fireplaces or other off-limits areas
- Provide a more confined safe-zone
#8 Houseplants
Keep houseplants plants out of reach. Plants can be toppled and curious babies may chew their leaves or foliage.
#9 Babyproof Your Home by Cleaning Regularly
It’s amazing how quickly babies will put something in their mouths. To keep children safe, be diligent when cleaning areas where they play. Vacuum, dust, and clean toys regularly.
#10 Prepare for the Climbing Phase
The toddler years require another level of babyproofing. Toddlers are able to walk and eager to climb anything in sight. To prepare for toddlers:
- Keep your countertops clear of dangerous items.
- Secure heavy furniture like bookshelves, desks, and TV stands to the walls with anchors.
- Store step stools and ladders in closets to help babyproof your home.
Roesner Real Estate Inspections offers home inspections in West Houston. Contact us to schedule an appointment.