Baby Proofing (cont.)

<< Back to Baby Proofing, part 1

Electrical outlets, cords and cables

Keep all electrical cables firmly tucked away and secured so that if the baby pulls on a power cord there is no likelihood of the appliance falling on him/her. You can also buy plastic power outlet covers so that any unused power outlets can be covered to prevent wet little fingers finding their way into them.

If you have the time and the ability, you can also consider shortening the electrical appliance power cords so that there is no chance of your baby grabbing hold of any stray loops of cord that come dangling down. This is particularly useful in the kitchen, where your baby will be fascinated by the daily goings on.

Watch out also for any draw cords for curtains or Venetian blinds or the like. These can get tangled around the baby’s neck if they are too long and within reach.

Stairs and other high places

If you have areas in the house where the baby can climb, such as stairs etc., make sure to cordon the area off so that the baby cannot get up there on their own. Distance any ‘climbable’ furniture, such as sofas, chests, etc., away from any windows to prevent the baby falling into glass or falling out of a window.

Baby proof moveable or wobbly furniture

Watch out for furniture that your baby might use to pull himself/herself up with. Anything that might topple over, or cause an object to fall on the baby should be secured or removed. Items such as tall lamps, stereo speaker towers, tall fans, etc., are all prime candidates. Pay particular attention to any items that might be top heavy, such a bookcases and display units. Don’t underestimate the strength of your baby when it comes to moving objects or putting his/her weight behind something.

Water and heater temperatures

Make sure that the water temperature in the house is not too hot in case the baby manages somehow to get a faucet turned on, and make sure that any areas with water, such as swimming pools, bathtubs, etc., cannot get accessed by the baby under any circumstances.

Cleaning agents, powders and other substances

Be particularly mindful of cleaning agents, powders and any other substances and chemical agents that you have lying around the house. Move all of these items into a locked (not latched) cupboard safely away from your baby, and certainly at a height that is firmly above the reach of your baby. The same also goes for any medicines that you have in the house. Keep these securely locked, and high out of reach from your baby. Keep handy a list of telephone numbers to your local doctor, hospital and other emergency numbers just in case, and take the time to learn what to do in the event your baby swallows a poisonous substance.

Plants

Watch out for any noxious plants that you might have in the house, or even plants that have leaves, flowers or berries that your baby might choke on if he/she tries to eat part of it. Take care to remove any dead, or dying, leaves that might fall to the floor where your baby will be sure to taste them.

Baby proof your own habits – more baby proofing tips

• Make sure you empty out any glasses of alcohol that you have lying around, and empty all ashtrays each night before going to bed (and put the bag with the ash outside). Make sure that access to these items is restricted.

• Don’t leave small items lying around on coffee tables and other areas where the baby can easily reach them.

• When cooking, always, always turn the handle of the pan toward the back of the oven, and when cooking use the elements toward the back of the oven, not the ones at the front.

• Be careful when you leave hot drinks and plates at the table. Keep in mind that your baby could pull at any table cloths and bring these hot items down on him/her.

• Never leave your baby unsupervised in any area where there is even the slightest possibility of access to water, no matter how shallow.

• If you have a home hobby that lends itself to leaving objects that are the perfect size for your baby’s small hands, like sewing or jigsaw puzzles etc., make sure that you either tidy the room thoroughly or you keep the room securely off-limits to your baby

• If you have other children, watch out for the toys and other items that they might leave strewn around. With toys that have had a hard life from previous owners, there is the possibility that parts might come loose and find their way into your baby’s mouth.

• If you haven’t done so already, invest in smoke detectors for your house and get a small fire extinguisher. Hopefully you will never, ever have to rely on them, but they are a small price to pay for peace of mind when you’re asleep. Give some thought also to how you would escape with your baby from a home that has caught fire. Put in place any measures that you need now, rather than later.

Baby proofing your home is not a one-time job – you must always be on the lookout for dangers and new hazards. Your baby is growing and developing all the time, and so he/she will be able to access and reach new areas of the home constantly. Be vigilant and always on the lookout - for your baby’s safety and your own peace of mind.

Your Name:
City (optional):
Your Comments:

Security check *

Baby Proofing (cont.)

Your Comments: