When you bring your baby home from the hospital, you swear to protect them from everything. But when your baby becomes old enough to grab things, they can get into everything, and there are so many items around the house that can be dangerous. While there are plenty of ways that your baby could get hurt, with a little bit of forethought, you can keep your promise to protect your baby. Here are four tips for babyproofing your home.
Be Aware of Poisonous Materials
You might not realize it, but there are many things around your house that can cause your baby to get sick. Many people understand that chemicals will make your baby ill if they consume them, but there are plenty of items that you’ve probably never thought about. For instance, some plants and cosmetics are poisonous when consumed. That’s why you shouldn’t simply look for a warning label. According to Bioadvanced, some common poisonous household plants include amaryllis, philodendrons, and calla lilies. Check out anything that’s within your baby’s reach because babies and young toddlers put everything in their mouths. Rearrange your kitchen or living room, if necessary, because even a little bit of prevention can save your baby’s life.
Keep Sharp Objects Out of Reach
When your baby reaches toddlerhood, they will be naturally curious about everything around them, including sharp objects that can cut them. If you have blenders and other kitchen appliances with sharp blades, make sure that you put a safety latch on the drawer where they’re kept. You also need to be more aware of objects that can break. For instance, if you have knick-knacks that are made of glass, make sure that you keep them out of arm’s reach and off of shelves that can be knocked over. Knives, especially, should have homes that are well out of reach.
Cover Up Electrical Sockets
Just because you can’t fit your finger into an electrical socket doesn’t mean that your baby can’t. According to AMP Smart, every electrical outlet is a hazard to tiny hands, so invest in some outlet covers that can make your home much safer. They’re only a few dollars per pack, but they could save your baby’s life.
Stow Away Everyday Objects
There are many objects around your house that might seem safe but carry hazards you may not think about. For instance, the remote control has many small pieces, and some of them have ion batteries. And while the box that a package comes in is okay for small children to play with, the packing peanuts and bubble wrap are not. You should be concerned about anything with small pieces.
Keeping your baby safe when they first start learning how to reach things should be one of your top concerns. If you’re ever in doubt, you can ask your child’s pediatrician.