A Guide to Baby-Proofing Your Home

Having a baby can be a very exciting time in a person's life, but there are many things that need to be done prior to the baby's arrival. One of these tasks is to baby-proof your house. The first and easiest way to start the baby-proofing process is to get on your hands and knees and scope out your house from your baby's perspective. Look for any hazards, including: sharp objects, dangerous liquids, choking hazards, and other tempting areas that your baby could reach. While you are eliminating the dangers that you have found in your house, consider the following list of baby-proofing tasks that will help you prepare your house for the new addition to your family.

• Cover all Unused Electrical Outlets - Your baby could be tempted to put their fingers in the sockets.

• Door Knob Covers - These will help keep your baby out of unwanted areas such as the bathroom and laundry rooms.

• Remove Rubber Tips From all Door Stops - They could be swallowed by a baby.

• Remove or Hide all Cords - They are a strangling hazard to a baby.

• Install Safety Latches on Doors and Cabinets - Any areas containing hazardous or dangerous materials should be off-limits to your baby.

• Safety Gates - Make sure your baby is contained in a baby-proof area and that they do not have access to stairs that they could fall down.

• Install Protective Padding - Look for sharp objects and cover them accordingly.

• Secure Heavy Items - Any heavy item that your baby could pull down, should be screwed down. These items include: televisions, computers, pictures, etc.

• Toilet Locks - These prevent the toilet lid from being opened by a baby, thus preventing the possibility of drowning in the toilet.

• Window Areas - Make sure there are no hanging cords from blinds or drapery. These are choking hazards for a baby.

• Hazardous Products - Always store hazardous products and medicine away from the baby's area.

When preparing your baby's room, make sure the bassinet, crib, changing table (make sure there is a safety strap), high chair, and other equipment you purchase meets all current safety standards. If you receive baby items from friends and family members, look the item up on-line to see if the item was recalled before using. Other areas of the house that should be addressed include: removing house plants in the baby's area (they could be toxic), lowering the hot water tank's temperature to avoid scolding water, and always use the back burners on your stove to keep pots and pans out of your child's reach. Other precautions that you can take include: checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis, take an infant CPR class, and have a first aid kit handy. Also, if you have a pool, you should install fencing around it to prevent your baby from access to the pool area without your supervision.

Most babies start to crawl before their first birthday; therefore child-proofing your home is an on-going process. As your baby turns into a toddler, their curiosity will grow and so will the risks of injury. Just remember, child-proofing your house will only decrease your child's chances of becoming injured at home. You are your child's best defense; never leave your child unattended, you are their best protection from harm.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Zuren_PhD.