The Only Baby-Proofing Checklist You Need
If you’re pregnant or adopting, there’s a lot you need to do and think about before you bring a new baby into your home. One of the most important things to do is to baby-proof your home.
If you don’t have any children yet, your home likely isn’t super baby-friendly! Check out this baby proofing checklist to learn how to create a safe living environment.
Table of Contents
Baby Proofing the Kitchen
People love to gather in the kitchen, but with a baby in the mix, things get a little more complicated. There are so many hazards in the kitchen that we recommend limiting how often the baby is in there.
You can also use child safety locks to keep your baby out of lower cabinets that may hold dish cleansers and other cleaning products. However, it’s best to keep dangerous chemicals on the top shelves of your kitchen where your baby can’t reach them.
Additionally, you should get a lockbox for your medications, and be on the lookout for foil, as the sharp edges can easily cut your baby. Make sure knives are out of reach and keep your breakable dishes up high.
Baby Proof the Living Room
Carpet is great for babies who are learning how to walk, so consider adding it to your living space. If it’s too much of a pain to add carpet, consider adding a large padded rug.
Also, make sure to choose a coffee table that doesn’t have sharp corners, watch out for window cords, and make sure there’s nothing your child could climb. Consider investing in outlet covers to keep your baby from ripping out cords.
Baby Proof the Bathroom
Your baby should only be in the bathroom to take baths, and they should never be left in there unattended. Still, it’s best to make the bathroom as safe as possible by storing away curling irons and other hot styling tools.
Make sure to keep the lid down on your toilet, or consider investing in a toilet lock. Razors, medications, toothpaste, and toilet cleaning tablets should be kept out of reach.
Baby Proof the Nursery
Your baby is likely going to spend most of their time in the nursery, so you want to make sure it’s perfect. There should always be a baby monitor on in their room, even when they’re sleeping.
If your windows are easy to open, you should use a window protector or guard to keep your baby safe. You should also pay special attention to the crib. We recommend staying away from used cribs, as these can have issues that are hard to detect.
Look for a crib with secured sides, and don’t put pillows or stuffed animals in the crib, as they can be suffocation hazards. You can invest in clear corner guards that hold for the crib. Also, keep the nursery garbage covered so your baby can’t reach in and grab a diaper.
Baby Proofing Checklist: Time to Get Started
Now that you’ve read this baby proofing checklist, it’s time to get started. With the above guidelines, your home will be ready for your new baby!
Check back in with our blog for more baby-related news and tips!
Biswajit Rakshit is a professional blogger and writer. He loves to write on various topics.