After you purchase a new home, there are many things on the top of your mind and keeping your family and children safe should always be a top priority. As you’ve more than likely lived in your current place for years and have it completely baby proofed, you will need to take the same precautions when moving into a new home.
If you recently purchased a home, here are 10 items you’ll want to look into getting to baby-proof your new home, sooner than later:
1. Baby gates
Setting up baby gates are a great way to keep young ones from being able to get into forbidden rooms or going up and down the stairs. You’ll want to make sure you get a gate that fits securely in entryways and is tall enough that your baby won’t be able to climb over it.
While many parents prefer plastic or wood gates to metal gates, all ser the same purpose, and you have the opportunity to get a baby gate that matches your new home and décor.
2. Outlet covers
Electrical shocks are a big risk with young children and babies, and outlet covers can help eliminate that risk. These outlet covers are cheap and easy to install, so make sure you have one over every unused outlet in your house.
3. Door Knob covers
The last thing you want is a toddler opening doors, so prevent that with childproof door knob covers. When you want to open a door, all you have to do is grab the doorknob instead of the cover and you’re good to go.
4. Oven knob covers
Oven knobs can also be dangerous, especially if they’re on the front of your oven. Thankfully, you can install oven knob covers or locks to keep babies from accidentally turning on the oven or a burner on the stove. Not only is this a way to keep your toddler/baby safe, but it’s also protecting your entire home from potentially catching on fire from the stove.
5. Magnetic cabinet and drawer locks
Keeping kids out of cabinets and drawers is as simple as installing magnetic locks. Magnetic cabinet and drawer locks come in packs, so you won’t have to invest much to keep all the cabinets and drawers in your home safe. Some of the best places to add these magnetic locks are in the kitchen and bathrooms under the sink where many people keep toxic cleaning chemicals. Taking this tip into action can save you from a huge headache in the future if a child were to get their hands on cleaning chemicals.
6. Safety straps for furniture
Furniture tipping over is a big safety risk, and toddlers love standing up using furniture and using it to support their body weight. Prevent furniture from tipping over by tying it down or tying it to the wall with safety straps. Although many homes now have mounted TVs on the wall, these furniture safety straps can still help prevent bottom mounted TVs, bookshelves, dressers and taller desks from falling over on top of anyone.
7. Cordless window treatments
Blinds are a huge safety risk for children, so opt for cordless window treatments that don’t have a string your child can wrap around their neck. Chances are you’ll love having better and nicer blinds, too, so it’s a win-win.
8. Manage your cords
Do you have a lot of electronics? Even if you don’t, it’s important to keep any cords you have plugged in out of the way. There are cable management systems that can help with this, or you can simply strategically run cables away from where babies can get to them. Zip ties or even rubber bands can help with reducing the number of random cords from an entertainment center, or the cord covers that you can paint to match the walls and blend in.
9. Lock toilet lids
You don’t want your child getting in the toilet or hurting themselves with the toilet lid, or worse falling into the toilet upside down. A great purchase is to buy locking toilet lids or even just a locking mechanism to keep the lid on the toilet down when it isn’t in use. Just remember, you have to close the toilet lid every time for this to be effective.
10. Tub safety
A bathtub is a dangerous place, from the risk of slipping to the sharp metal edges on the faucet and faucet handles. Cover up faucet handles with something soft and install non-slip grip tape on the bottom of the tub to keep your little one safe during baths. They also make spout covers that can be playful for a child instead of a metal faucet sticking out of the wall.
Baby Proofing a new home isn’t exactly simple, but you can do it with a little time and effort. If you’re moving into a new home, or even starting the search for new homes for sale, these 10 baby proofing tips are a great place to start.
