The house is full of hazards. Checking out your home for child safety takes a knack for realizing exactly what will be enticing to your child. As time goes on you will have to continue your efforts and often reinforce methods that we were working in the past. Child proofing is not about disabling our children from exploration; but rather about allowing them to have firm boundaries with which to express their freedom. You will still have to teach them NO, but you can never truly rely on NO to work. That is especially true when you turn around or have to leave the room for a moment. Kids of all ages are naturally curious and they will want to try, taste and touch everything.

When you moved in to a new house or just had a baby, it is a time to really think about how you’re going to protect that baby when he or she becomes old enough to walk or even crawl. To make sure there are no bad accidents in your home, you need to get down to baby’s level and see what baby is seeing and what he or she can get into.

You have to write down all of the safety hazards and step-by-step correct the problems so that by the time the baby is old enough to crawl, that the Home is completely child proofed from any hazards that might get in the way of their health.

• Electrical outlets should have outlet covers or plates with sliders on them that protect the baby from getting his wet fingers into the outlet. Hide as many outlets behind furniture as you can.
• Electrical and curtain cords should be taped down or put up and away so that baby cannot strangle himself or pull on these cords.
• House plants can be hazardous and poisonous. Check with poison control or the extension office to make sure your plants are not poisonous to baby.
• Use a radiator cover to protect the baby from touching the hot radiator. You can buy these online or at baby proofing stores.
• Cabinets and cabinet drawers in the kitchen need latches or locks so that the thing inside cannot hurt the baby or get damaged.
• Child safety gates should be at the top and bottom of stairwells so that baby cannot fall down the stairs.
• Protect baby from fireplaces using a glass door or metal screen to keep baby from falling into the fire.
• All slats should be no more than three inches apart. This applies to railings, baby gates and crib slats.

When Child Proofing Your Home You should Always Plan Ahead

Think about all of these things long before the baby can crawl, such as when they come home from the hospital or when they are still in your tummy. It doesn’t take long before they can roll around or crawl so thinking ahead is appropriate. Put away valuables and knick knacks so that the baby cannot get into them. Also, think about putting away the coffee table altogether because it has sharp edges that the baby can get into. If you are prepared ahead of time, your baby with stay as safe as possible.

You Can’t Always Be Around Your Baby

It’s important that the baby explores as much as possible but that he does this safely and without a lot of risk. You cannot always watch the baby so you need to make sure the home is as safe as possible. You should find that childproofing is a simple job that will make for a safer home for the baby you love.