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Babies tend to become rather curious and busy around the house, once their feet hit the ground. While they usually make messes around the house there are times when, in creating their muddles, they end up harming themselves.

Babies are some of the swiftest beings on the face of the planet. In mere seconds of you turning your back on them, without knowing the danger babies, can get their hands or head sstuck in some hazardous items.

This can cause parents to become anxious about the safety and wellbeing of their babies.

The reality is that, if you want a safe environment for your child, the key is to baby proof your home.

What is baby proofing?

Babyproofing is the act of making an environment or object safe for babies. The term is also used to describe products and practices designed to keep babies safe.

When you baby proof your home, you basically eliminate hazards you can identify around the house.

Your home is converted into a baby friendly space where risks are kept low.

Having your home baby proofed means you won’t have to stress so much about the potential dangers in the house, which will make you more relaxed.

How do you baby proof your home?

There are several items within the home that can cause danger to unsuspecting and curious babies, therefore baby proofing your home is the best option as a parent. Here is how you baby proof your home.

The Kitchen

For some reason, babies love the kitchen. Keeping them away from the kitchen is the best thing to do but here are some tips on how to keep it safe.

It is essential that while cooking, you turn the handles of pots and pans towards the back of the stove so they don’t get knocked off and babies or toddlers can’t reach for them and pull them down.

Secure cleaning supplies such as bleach, dishwater soap, etc, in drawers with locks or latches or on high shelves. The same should apply for sharp objects such as knives and scissors.

Use placemats instead of tablecloths. Tablecloths are easily pulled down by babies and can send glasses and sharp silverware falling to the floor.

Secure refrigerator and/or freezer door with safety latch.

If your stove allows, consider removing the knobs and placing them out of baby’s reach, especially if baby can turn the knobs.

The Bedroom

Although it can seem like an innocent enough place, your baby’s crib is one that needs to be given special attention. Always ensure that the crib is at the right height for your baby as they grow.

Also avoid putting objects such as stuffed animals and pillows inside the crib, not only are they suffocation hazards, they can also be used by babies as a boost and a way to climb up over the rail.

Use bed rails to prevent babies from falling off beds while sleeping.

Bathroom

Use a safety latch on the toilet – this will also prevent toys from getting thrown into the bowl.

Make sure to keep hair dryers, and curling irons away from the edge of the counter. Cords hanging down are very tempting to pull.

Do not leave water in your bath tub, babies tend to love water and drowning can occur.

Use electrical socket covers to prevent babies from putting their fingers in sockets.

Laundry room

Ensure that you keep laundry detergent and other dangerous materials on high shelves and out of children’s reach.

Practice to keep the doors of the washer and dryers closed at all times.

Living Room

Mount larger furniture to the wall, if possible. As babies pull to stand they will reach for the closest thing to them. Make sure what they’re whatever they are pulling on for support is as sturdy as possible.

It’s best to use nonskid mats and rugs to prevent falls.

Other areas around the House

Ensure that you cover all electrical outlets around the house.

Use baby gates to block off rooms you don’t want babies exploring as well as staircases.

Pay attention to the windows especially low windows. It is best to tie up blinds cords and curtains so they are out of reach.

Cushion the corners of tables and other sharp edges around the house.

Be careful with any water bowls for pets – believe it or not, these could pose a drowning risk.

Do not leave plastic bags and small toys around the house.

Though baby-proofing your home gives you a little peace of mind and helps protect babies, nothing can ever replace keeping a close eye on your child as they begin walking and exploring their surroundings.