Q. What is the best way to approach
baby-proofing our home?
The best way is to see your home from
the eyes of your child. It is recommended that you get down
on your hands and knees and crawl around your home. This
will enable you to see hazards you might not have recognized
at your full height. Are electrical outlets in baby’s reach
or are there electric cords hanging down that your baby can
pull on or get tangled in? Does your furniture have sharp
corners? Are there precious items at your baby’s level that
should be put up out of reach?
Q. What is the most hazardous
situation for my baby?
Any situation that places your baby in
harm’s way is the worst situation for your baby. The most
hazardous situation for your baby is choking or anything
that might cause him to stop breathing. The most hazardous
situation for you baby is one that caused an injury that
could have been prevented.
Q. What are some things I need to
consider when I am baby-proofing our home?
There are many things to consider. Your
baby is a quick mover so it is never really safe to leave
him unattended if at all possible. Consider putting up all
valuables and breakable items out of reach of your baby’s.
Anything that is small enough to fit in his mouth should be
removed. If in doubt as to whether any one item is small
enough to fit in your baby’s mouth and pose a choking hazard
take an empty toilet paper roll. If it fits inside the tube
it go in his mouth and possibly harm him.
Q. Why do I need baby safety gates?
Baby safety gates can be placed in
doorways or at the top and bottom of staircases. The gates
can prevent your baby from getting into the kitchen or
bathroom. They can also prevent your baby from tumbling down
the stairs or climbing the stairs and falling. The mesh or
the holes in the gate should not be large enough for your
baby to put his toes through to climb the gate. Gates now
are being made to operate hands-free or one handed. There
are gates being made with the bars going vertical instead of
horizontal reducing the chances of your baby being able to
climb the gate.
Q. What are electric outlet covers or
locks?
Electric outlet covers look like plastic
plugs when they are inserted and prevents your baby from
sticking his fingers or something else in the outlet and
getting a serious shock. Electric outlet lock plates can
replace typical outlets and in order to insert anything into
the outlet the plug has to be inserted and turned.
Q. It was suggested to me that I have
motion alarms on our doors and windows, why would I need
them?
Some kids are very active and able to do
things you would be very surprise about. Children have been
known to open windows and fall through screens and become
seriously injured. There are many news stories where
toddlers have gotten up in the night and unbeknownst to
their parents open the door and go outside. Some are found
wandering around and others are not so lucky. Some windows
now come with a mechanism to prevent the window from being
opened more than an inch or two. The alarms will alert you
to the door opening and you can intervene before something
tragic happens.
Q. What kind of baby-proofing
products are available?
There all kinds of baby products
available and most are reasonably priced. There are motion
sensors, corner cushions for sharp corners on furniture.
There are electric outlet covers, cabinet and drawer locks
of different types and cord retractors for window blinds.
Q. Is there anything available to
protect my baby from getting in between banister posts?
There is netting available that can be
attached with screws that will prevent your baby from
getting between the banister posts. This product is similar
to the deck netting available for outdoor decks.
Q. Are there baby proofing checklists
available?
Yes there are baby-proofing checklists
available. You can locate them online and they are
printable. Specialty stores, hospitals, and pediatricians
are all possible sources for such checklists.
Q. How can I baby proof my nursery?
You can baby proof your nursery by
keeping your baby’s crib away from windows and blinds cords.
Put outlet protectors on all outlets. Make certain to dress
your baby in sleepers rather than using blankets. When your
baby begins sitting up place the mattress in the lowest
position. Do not put stuffed animals or pillows in the crib
with your little one, they could nestle up to them and
suffocate.
Q. How can I baby proof my kitchen?
Put all cleaners or chemicals up out of
reach of your baby. Make sure all drawers and cabinet doors.
While cooking put all pot handles toward the rear of the
stove. Do not allow electric cords to hang over counters
where your baby can pull on them. Better still, if possible
unless you are 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 ride in is installed
correctly and that it is the correct one for your baby.
Remove all loose items that could become missiles in a crash
or quick stop, and place them in the trunk.
In Conclusion
The bottom line of baby proofing your
home and your car is to be mindful that the most common
things can be hazardous to a baby or small child. You can
obtain a checklist of things to look for when baby-proofing
your home. Window blinds cords should be shortened and
outlets should be covered. Look at your home and car through
your baby’s eyes, you might be surprised at hazards you miss
when you are looking from adult height.
