Make your home as baby-proof as possible for when your baby is on the move.

Making your home safe for your baby can seem like a daunting task. There are so many hazards in the home, some obvious, some not so much. But with a little preparation, you can baby-proof your home to make it as safe as possible for your baby when he starts to become mobile. Here are some tips to get started.

Install baby-proof covers on all electrical outlets

It is important to install covers on all electrical outlets to protect your baby from potential electric shocks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than ten children in the United States die each year from accidental contact with electrical outlets. By installing baby-proof covers, you can help keep your baby safe.

Plastic safety plugs inserted into electric outlets are not the safest option, because these can often be easily removed by your baby or child. A better option is a spring-loaded outlet cover that automatically closes when not in use.

Anchor furniture to the wall

If you have furniture in your home that is not anchored to the wall, take the time to do so. Furniture that is not anchored can easily be tipped over by a baby or child, which can lead to serious injuries.

To anchor furniture, use brackets or straps that attach the furniture to the wall. This will help prevent your baby from pulling up and pulling furniture on top of himself.

Check the temperature of your water heater

When baby-proofing your home, it is important to also take into account potential safety hazards related to heat. One such hazard is the temperature of your water heater. If the water heater is set too high, it can scald your baby. This is especially important when your baby becomes a toddler. He’ll be very interested in exploring things around him and could accidentally turn the hot water on by himself. Make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees or cooler to protect your little one.

Keep your bathroom doors secured

This may seem like a hassle, but the bathroom poses a multitude of safety threats to your baby. Of course, one issue is hot water. Another is drowning. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 100 young children in the United States drown at home each year. Many of these tragedies happen in the bathroom, where a child left unattended drowns in a bathtub or falls into a toilet and cannot get out.

Experts say it’s not enough to simply close the door, as a curious toddler will eventually learn how to open it. It’s best to either lock the door or install a baby-proof doorknob cover that prevents your toddler from opening it.

Baby gates

Baby gates provide an extra level of security for your baby, and can be used to baby-proof your home in a number of ways. One way is to install a baby gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. This will prevent your baby from accidentally climbing up or down the stairs and taking a tumble.

You can also use baby gates to keep your baby out of areas of your home that may be unsafe, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Block access to fireplaces and radiators

While you can’t remove fireplaces and radiators from your home, there are things you can do to keep your baby safe around these things.

It is important to block access to fireplaces and radiators when baby-proofing your home. You can do this by using a baby gate or by installing a security screen in front of the fireplace. You can also cover radiators with a child-safe guard to keep your baby from getting too close.

Get rid of things that are obviously dangerous

Before your baby becomes mobile, it’s important to view each room of your house from her perspective. Get down on the floor and look for things that can be dangerous, like lamps, electrical cords, knickknacks, etc. Instead of constantly redirecting your baby or telling her “no,” remove these dangers so she can roam freely and explore safely.

Pad sharp corners and edges

When baby-proofing your home, it is important to consider the sharp corners and edges in your house. These can easily cut or scrape a baby’s delicate skin, so it is important to take steps to protect them.

One way to do this is by padding the corners and edges of furniture and other objects with soft materials like foam or batting. This will help to cushion any impact if your baby happens to hit one of these surfaces.

Another option is to use corner and edge guards, which are available at most baby stores. These are thin pieces of plastic or rubber that attach to the corners and edges of furniture and appliances, helping to protect your baby from injuries.

Put medicines, chemicals, and other household hazards up high

One important step in baby-proofing your home is to put medicines, chemicals, and other household hazards up high.

It is also a good idea to keep these items in a locked cabinet or cabinet with a child-proof lock. This will help to keep your baby from getting to them and potentially harming herself.

If you don’t have a cabinet that is child-proof, you can buy special locks that attach to cabinets and doors to prevent your child from opening them.

Install baby-proof locks on cabinets and drawers

Last but certainly not least on your baby-proofing list is installing locks on cabinets and drawers. This will help to keep your baby from getting into these areas and finding dangerous items, like knives or chemicals.

There are a number of different locks that you can use, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. There are locks that attach to cabinets and doors, locks that fit around the handles of cabinets and drawers, and even key-locked locks that require a key to open.

By installing locks on your cabinets and drawers, you can help keep your baby safe from potential dangers.

With a little preparation, you can baby-proof your home to make it as safe as possible for your baby and give yourself peace of mind that is priceless.

Coffee Creek Studio is based out of Shelbyville, Indiana, and is owned and operated by Amy Haehl, who specializes in family and newborn photography, as well as mentoring other photographers. Coffee Creek Studio serves Indianapolis, Indiana and all surrounding areas.