Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of your biggest concerns and responsibilities. There is so much to consider and it is very easy to overlook something that may be quite obvious to some but eludes others. Things like covering electrical outlets, putting in baby gates, and turning pot handles toward the back of the stove are covered in this article and presented in a question-and-answer format.
Q. What is the best way to address the safety of babies in our home?
The best way is to see your home through the eyes of your child. It is recommended that you kneel and crawl around his house. This will allow him to see dangers that he may not have recognized at his full height. Are electrical outlets within baby’s reach, or are there dangling electrical cords that your baby can pull on or get tangled up in? Does your furniture have sharp corners? Are there valuable items at your baby’s level that need to be placed out of reach?
Q. What is the most dangerous situation for my baby?
Any situation that puts your baby in danger is the worst situation for your baby. The most dangerous situation for your baby is drowning or anything that could cause him to stop breathing. The most dangerous situation for your baby is one that caused an injury that could have been prevented.
Q. What are some of the things I need to consider when baby-proofing our home?
There are many things to consider. Your baby moves fast, so it’s never really safe to leave your baby unattended if possible. Consider placing all valuables and breakables out of your baby’s reach. Anything that is small enough to fit in your mouth should be removed. If you’re in doubt about whether an item is small enough to fit in your baby’s mouth and pose a choking hazard, grab an empty toilet paper roll. If it fits inside the tube, it gets into your mouth and possibly hurts you.
Q. Why do I need baby safety gates?
Baby safety gates can be placed in doorways or at the top and bottom of stairs. Doors can prevent your baby from entering the kitchen or bathroom. They can also prevent your baby from falling down the stairs or going up the stairs and falling. The mesh or the holes in the gate should not be big enough for your baby to stick their toes through the gate. Doors are now manufactured for hands-free or one-handed operation. There are gates that are made with vertical bars instead of horizontal ones, which reduces the chances of your baby being able to climb the gate.
Q. What are outlet covers or locks?
Electrical outlet covers look like plastic plugs when inserted and prevent your baby from sticking fingers or something else into the outlet and getting a serious electrical shock.
Electrical outlet lockout plates can replace typical outlets, and to insert anything into the outlet, the plug must be inserted and rotated.
Q. I was suggested to have motion alarms on our doors and windows, why would I need them?
Some children are very active and can do things that would surprise you. Children have been known to open windows and fall through screens and seriously injure themselves. There are many news stories where little children have gotten up in the night and, unbeknownst to their parents, open the door and walk out. Some are found wandering and others are not so lucky. Some windows now come with a mechanism to prevent the window from opening more than an inch or two. The alarms will notify you of the opening of the door and you can intervene before something tragic happens.
Q. What types of baby proofing products are available?
There are all kinds of baby products available and most are reasonably priced. There are motion sensors, corner cushions for sharp corners on furniture. There are electrical outlet covers, cabinet and drawer locks of different types, and cord retractors for blinds.
Q. Is there anything available to protect my baby from getting between the railing posts?
There are screens available that can be attached with screws that will prevent your baby from getting between the railing posts. This product is similar to deck netting available for outdoor decks.
Q. Are there baby testing checklists available?
Yes, baby proofing checklists are available. You can locate them online and they are printable. Specialty stores, hospitals, and pediatricians are possible sources for such checklists.
Q. How can I baby proof my room?
You can baby-proof your room by keeping your baby’s crib away from windows and blind cords. Put outlet protectors on all outlets. Be sure to dress your baby in pajamas instead of blankets. When your baby starts to sit up, place the mattress in the lowest position. Don’t put stuffed animals or pillows in the crib with your little one, they could curl up against them and suffocate.
Q. How can I baby proof my kitchen?
Put all cleaners or chemicals out of your baby’s reach. Make sure all drawers and cabinet doors. While cooking, turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove. Don’t let electrical cords hang over countertops where your baby can pull on them. Better yet, if possible, unless you’re feeding your baby, keep him out of the kitchen.
Q. How can I baby proof my car?
You can baby-proof your car by making sure the car seat your baby will be in is installed correctly and is the right one for your baby. Remove all loose items that could become missiles in the event of a crash or quick stop, and place them in the trunk.
In conclusion
The bottom line of baby-proofing your home and car is to keep in mind that the most common things can be dangerous to a baby or young child. You can get a checklist of things to look for when baby-proofing your home. Blind cords should be shortened and outlets covered. Take a look at your home and because through your baby’s eyes, you may be surprised at dangers you don’t see when looking from an adult height.
