In order to properly baby proof your home, you need to think like a toddler thinks and really get down to his or her level in order to see what he or she sees.  When you find something, fix it or get it out of the way of your child by putting it up high, taping it down or putting it someplace else, like the garage or inside a locked room.  Take a look at things by getting down and crawling around.  Get organized.

 

These are the big areas to think of:

 

·         Outlets – You can purchase plastic outlet plugs that can prevent electrocution injuries. Put furniture in front of as many outlets as you can.

 

·         Cleaning Items – Use as many natural products as you can for cleaning but still keep them behind locked cabinets or high enough so that baby cannot reach them.

 

·         Small items – The rule of thumb is that if an item can fit through a toilet paper role, it is too small to be around a baby and should be kept up.  These pose choking hazards for baby so make sure everyone in the family is vigilant about keeping stuff off the floors.

 

·         Stairways – When baby proofing the stairways you should use hardware-applied gates on the top and bottom of all stairs.  Don’t use pressure gates as they can give way too easily.

 

·         Cabinets and Drawers – Use drawer and cabinet latches to keep the baby from getting into the drawers or cabinets.  Put hazardous items high up in the bathroom and kitchen so baby doesn’t have a chance of getting into them.

 

·         Stoves and Hot Items – You should use a guard, gate or fence to keep baby away from fireplaces, wood burning stoves and ovens.  Use safety knobs on all stoves so baby doesn’t accidentally turn on the oven or stove. Try keep the stove/oven off at the main switch when not on use.

 

·         Sharp edges – Protect sharp corners on coffee tables with corner cushions and keep scissors, knives and razors up or locked in drawers the baby can’t get into.

 

·         Water Safety – Put a fence around your pool and cover the hot tub.  Use toilet locks to keep baby from getting into the toilet washer or disposing of expensive items i.e. cell phone into the toilet bowl.  Keep baby away from low sinks or buckets of water or cleaning products.

 

·         Plastic Bags and Cords – Electrical and blind cords should be kept from baby’s reach at all times.  You should keep plastic bags up and out of the way of baby’s reach. 

 

·         Antique furniture – Some of this furniture can be painted using lead-based paint and should be kept away from baby, who can chew on the painted surface.

 

·         Other items – Think about things like mouthwash, nail polish, shampoo, make up and perfume—all of which can be dangerous if eaten or swallowed.  Make sure all medications are up and out of the way and have child safety caps.

 

·         Other preventative items – Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors, smoke and fire detectors, and extinguishers. Have a fire escape plan for every room in the house.  Put latches on windows so they do not open more than 10 centimeters.

 

·         Food items – Babies chew on anything they can get their hands on.  Make sure food swallows easily in one bite as they often don’t chew their food well.