1. Anchor Your Furniture
Before your baby begins crawling, safely secure furniture to a stud in the wall. Make sure your changing table is anchored for stability during diaper changes. Remember to anchor your flat screen television while you are babyproofing your home. Add anchors to bookshelves, dressers, and any other tall or heavy furniture. Be sure your oven also has an anti-tip bracket installed.
2. Secure Cords When Babyproofing Your Home
Babies quickly learn to roll over, and when they do, you need to have all cords secured tightly to the wall and out of the way. Television and computer cords can be a hazard. Use zip-ties to bundle them together. If you have blinds with cords, switch them out for cordless blinds. Move the crib away from all cords and cables.
3. Insert Outlet Covers for Babyproofing Your Home
Babies learn through play and by experimenting. Install covers over your electrical outlets so they don’t learn about electricity the hard way. There are many different options for outlet covers when babyproofing your home, so you can choose something that works well with your home decor.
4. Install Baby Gates
Baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs are important to keep your toddler from falling and going where they shouldn’t. There are dozens of options for baby gates. You can also buy clamps that protect walls and banisters from being damaged by baby gates.
Get Ready to Have a Toddler
Infants are limited in their reach, but when babies start standing and walking, you will need to add even more safety features, like:
- oven knob covers
- cabinet locks
- drawer locks
- appliance locks
- toilet seat cover locks
- hook and latch locks on exterior doors
- corner protectors on table corners
- toddlers rail for convertible cribs
There are many options for products that will help your young child safe. Make time for babyproofing your home well before bringing your infant home. You’ll be more prepared and confident knowing your space is safe for your child.
Peconic Home Inspections offers home inspection services to Suffolk County and Long Island. Contact us to request an appointment.