Ways to Baby-Proof Your Home
August 17, 2011, By Jeff Waddle 0 comments
In the Nursery:
- Opt for function rather than style when choosing cribs. Look for models made since 1992, which meet the American Society of Testing and Material standards.
- Make sure hanging mobiles or toys are out of your baby’s reach. Keep plush animals, fluffy pillows and comforters out of the crib at night to prevent suffocation.
- Be sure your child’s mattress fits snuggly into the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib, you need a larger mattress.
- Install a safety belt or straps to your changing station. Stow diaper-changing supplies nearby, but keep creams and powders out of your baby’s reach.
Around the House:
- Test the range of your baby monitor to ensure you’re always in hearing-range no matter where you are within your home.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in every area of your home and check batteries on a monthly basis. Keep a fire extinguisher in the home and have a First Aid kit handy in case of emergencies.
- Be familiar with emergency numbers, such as your baby’s physician, a poison center, the police station and the fire department. Program the numbers into your phones and have a list near phones for babysitters or caregivers.
- Install locks high up on doors to ensure your child doesn’t find their way into areas they shouldn’t be. Try using latch-and-hook locks or a slide-bolt latch that will be more difficult for your child to use. Install safety gates around stairs or steps to prevent falls.
While child-proofing your home helps protect your baby from injuries, it isn’t 100 percent effective. The best way to keep your child safe is through supervision. You’ll be too busy making googly-eyes to leave their side anyway.
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