Bringing your new baby home is a wonderful experience. Before you know it, your baby will be crawling, walking, and climbing all over the house. To ensure you’re prepared for a baby on the move, take some time to babyproof your home. Basic steps include checking smoke alarm batteries, covering outlets, and gathering a list of emergency phone numbers. However, there are many other ways to prepare. Keep reading for five tips to help you babyproof your home.
1. Get to know your water heater settings
Ideally, your water heater should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns from scalding water. Regardless, always check the water temperature before giving your baby a bath to ensure the water isn’t too hot.
2. Secure drawers and cabinets with childproof latches
It goes without saying children tend to be curious by nature. With that in mind, it’s important to install childproof latches on cabinet doors. This is especially important for cabinets and draws containing harmful products (such as cleaning supplies) or sharp objects.
3. Invest in baby gates
If your home has stairs, a baby gate is a must! Not only does a baby gate prevent falls down the stairs, but it can also be used to block off any rooms that are off-limits.
4. Add cushion guards to sharp corners
To prevent injury from falls and collisions with furniture in your home, cover sharp corners with cushioned corner cards. Some examples include coffee tables, end tables, fireplace hearths, and TV consoles but take a peek around your home to ensure any sharp corners are protected.
5. Secure or remove heavy objects
Make sure heavier items in your home are secure to prevent them from tipping over. This can include furniture and TVs, as well as decor items like large mirrors or plants. The best way to detect which items to secure is to get a view from the baby’s perspective. Simply lay on the floor and take a look around. You’ll quickly identify any objects that may be a risk.
By investing just a few hours of your time to babyproof your home, you’ll have the peace of mind as your baby grows!
