If you’re a new parent, babyproofing your home can be daunting. However, it’s essential to take some time to babyproof your home before your little one starts crawling around. Being aware of potential
health hazards in the home is the first step toward creating a safe environment. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Cover Electrical Outlets to Babyproof Your Home
Electrical outlets are one of the most dangerous things in your home for a baby or toddler. Use outlet covers to protect your child from shock. Watch for
signs of electrical issues like warm outlets or flickering lights, which indicate a need for professional repair.
2. Keep Small Objects Out of Reach
Babies and toddlers love to put everything in their mouths, so it’s important to keep small objects out of reach. This includes things like coins, paper clips, and buttons that are choking hazards for a child.
Decluttering your home regularly helps eliminate these hazards.
3. Use Gates to Block Off Stairways When Babyproofing Your Home
Falling down the stairs is a significant hazard for young children. To prevent this, put gates at the top and bottom of any stairways in your home. Check for
signs of structural problems like loose railings or wobbly banisters before installing gates.
4. Anchor Heavy Furniture to the Wall to Babyproof Your Home
Children like to climb on furniture (or anything really). Furniture can tip over and fall on a baby or toddler if it’s not adequately anchored to the wall. Be sure to secure any dressers, bookshelves, or TVs that could pose a risk. Smart
storage solutions can also help keep heavy items stable and organized.
5. Keep Poisonous Chemicals Out of Sight and Out of Reach
Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and other chemicals can be dangerous for young children if they get their hands on them. Keep these items in a locked or overhead cabinet. When
cleaning the bathroom or kitchen, store products safely between uses and never leave them unattended.
6. Keep Sharp Objects Out of Reach
Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects can be dangerous for young children. Be sure to store these items in a safe place, out of reach of curious kids. Having the right
tools organized and stored properly is important for both safety and accessibility.
7. Use Window Guards
Falling out of a window is a serious hazard for young children living in apartment buildings or multi-level homes. To prevent this, install window guards on any windows in your home that are within your child’s reach.
8. Don’t Use Tablecloths
Babies and toddlers love to pull on tablecloths, which can cause hot drinks and dishes to come crashing down on them. It’s best to avoid using tablecloths altogether when you have young children in the home.
9. Keep Bathroom Doors Closed
Bathrooms can be dangerous places for young children. Be sure to keep the doors to any bathrooms in your home closed when not in use to prevent accidents. Don’t overlook
commonly missed cleaning spots in the bathroom where mildew and bacteria can accumulate.
10. Install Cabinet Locks to Babyproof Your Home
Cabinets are another place where curious children can find all sorts of dangers, from cleaning supplies to knives. Install locks on any cabinets in your home that contain potentially hazardous items.
By following these tips, you can help make your home safer for your young child. The
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides detailed childproofing checklists to keep your family safe. Babyproofing is integral to being a parent, so take the time to do it right. Before moving into a new home with a little one, consider scheduling a
professional home inspection to identify any potential safety concerns.
Advanced Termite and Home Inspections offers
inspection services in Eastern NC. If you’re buying or selling a home,
contact us to schedule an appointment.
