Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is a monumental moment in a family’s life. It’s a flurry of tiny toes, tiny diapers … and a realization that there’s now a tiny new human living in your home. If you’re a first-time parent and you’re not sure of all the ins and outs of baby-proofing, read on for an essential guide to making your DFW home safe and sound for little ones.
Get Down on Baby’s Level
A great way to begin baby-proofing is to take a baby’s-eye-view of your home. What’s in reach when your baby begins to crawl or walk? By taking a simple look around from this perspective, it will help you to determine which drawers, cabinets, and other spaces your baby may want to investigate. Don’t want to do it yourself? Look into hiring a professional baby-proofer (yes, they do exist). Here’s a good resource for finding one in the Dallas area.
Plug Up Your Electrical Outlets
When you bring baby home, go ahead and protect your outlets — even though your bundle of joy isn’t mobile yet. You can go the route of getting the plug-in caps or replace the outlet covers altogether with ones that include a safety latch.
Be Mindful of Heavy Furniture
Your television or bookcase might not seem dangerous, but to a curious child, these household items are real hazards. To avoid them tipping over onto children, affix what you can to the wall. And, whenever possible, put heavier items on bottom shelves to make furniture less top-heavy.
Embrace the Gate
Whether or not your home has two levels, a safety gate is an essential item when baby-proofing. Not only can it corral a child in a safe place such as a playroom, but it can also prevent him or her from toddling into danger. Ideally, look for a gate that is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
Practice Water Safety
Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages one to four, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Even if your home doesn’t have a pool, always be watchful around water. Bathtubs, toilets, and even buckets of water are hazardous to babies and young children. Read this article for helpful advice on baby-proofing your bathroom.
When you bring baby home, life will be filled with lots of new surprises. Enjoy them all by taking time to baby-proof your home. You’ll be glad you did.
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