Any parent knows that safety is of utmost importance when it comes to their child and household, but it can be hard to know where to start with the sheer number of things you need to keep in mind. Keeping your child safe in their room can seem like an overwhelming task, but this step-by-step guide will walk you through babyproofing your dream home room by room, providing tips and advice along the way.
What are the risks
Baby Proofing is an essential part of having a new baby in your home. The first few weeks with a newborn can be especially chaotic, and it’s important to take extra precautions to make sure that you don’t have a house full of hazardous toys and products.
What do you need
The supplies you need for baby proofing are simple: a chair, a safety gate and a pair of hands. You’ll also want to remember that it’s essential to clean up any hazards in your home. Once you’ve cleared out potentially hazardous items like electrical cords, glass bottles and hot liquids, you can begin finding places where you can install gates and drawers or cabinets with latches that keep kids away from all those fun (but potentially dangerous) items.
What can you buy online?
You may have trouble finding a reputable source for certain items (like large containers of bleach), but there are usually plenty of online options available. Make sure you’re buying from a site with secure checkout and solid customer service, so that you don’t end up losing money on an item that arrives damaged or late. Here are some more specific suggestions
What can you DIY?
Any of these projects can be created without any prior experience, and they can all be completed with just a few common tools. You’ll find detailed directions on each project here , along with links to any items you might need. Be aware that some of these projects (particularly those involving electricity) require a certain amount of risk and may not be suitable for everyone.
Know where things are, and where they should be.
A 3-year old can knock over a table lamp, so knowing where things are and where they should be is especially important when you have kids. While many accidents can happen anywhere in your home, you can reduce injuries by moving anything breakable out of reach or placing it on a high shelf.
Also make sure that cords are nowhere within reach—consider taping them down if necessary. Keeping any harmful chemicals locked up will also ensure that small hands don’t get hold of them (or ingest them).
The ‘what if’ checklist.
Having a checklist of ‘what if’ questions makes you more prepared for any emergency situation that might arise. What if my child accidentally uses my computer while I’m not around? What if they’re hanging on a towel rod and fall off? These are just two examples of many different things that could happen while you’re busy in another part of your home. Be sure to include age-appropriate items in any emergency kit. The items below should get you started, but adjust them as needed.
Author Bio
MARWOOD CONSTRUCTION is a high-end residential & commercial construction expert providing specialized general contracting services to clients in Houston, Texas. This licensed general contractor offers design-to-build services solutions for the most challenging new build and renovation needs. To learn more about this author, visit marwoodconstruction.com.
