Baby Proofing

Written by Moms on Call

You may or may not have gone a little wack-a-doo with nesting while you were expecting and now, just like that, it’s already time to think about baby proofing!  If you’re anything like me, who had a toddler with another on the way, I went a little nuts in the nesting department. My baby could have possibly ended up licking the baseboards, right?!  Okay, okay, maybe not.  But I did know that getting little toys out of reach when it came time for baby proofing was definitely a must! 

Let’s break down the baby proofing musts. 

• Outlet protectors  (We like these and these.)

• If you have older ones, make sure all of their small toys are out of the baby’s reach.

• Anchor furniture (bookshelves, dressers, etc.).  We see a bookshelf; they see a ladder!

• Safety locks on windows, doors and cabinets

• Electrical cords are out of reach

• Cover furniture corners that are sharp

• Gates at the tops and bottoms of stairways 

• Keep hand sanitizers out of reach.  These are highly poisonous (even in small amounts).

• Always have the number for Poison Control handy.  It should be programmed in your phone, family members’  phones and the phones of anyone else caring for your baby.

Get down on all fours and look at each room from the baby’s perspective.

This seems silly, but it’s a great way to see the world from your baby’s eyes for baby proofing purposes! Keep a toilet paper roll handy when you do this to use as a guide. If it can fit through the toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard for your baby.

While you’re down there, ask yourself:

• What could the baby get into? Or pull down?
  • Plants (Put them on an elevated, secure surface.)
  • Lamp wires, things on an entertainment stand, etc. 
• What will the baby run into? 
  • Lookout for corners (fireplaces, tables, etc.)
• What could the baby find on the floor and put in their mouth (or anywhere they shouldn’t)? 
  • Small toys 
  • Wires (Make sure electrical outlets are covered.)
  • Animal food/litter (Raise or place in a closed room.)

Every baby is different.  My first could not have cared less about exploring cabinets.  So, of course the second time around I figured I did not have to worry about that.  SO WRONG.  Our youngest found her way into every single cabinet!  Thankfully, the baby proofing learning curve is quick and by following the simple guidelines above, you will be well-prepared so that you can keep your curious little one(s) safe and breathe easy!

Moms on Call provides simple, sensible parenting resources to sleep, feed, laugh and love birth through toddlerhood.  View all of Moms on Call’s safety product recommendations on our Products We Love and Toddler Toys & Safety pages.  Our Online Video Courses and books are also great resources with safety tips throughout!