How To Childproof Your Home

Whether crawling or walking, there are many dangers around your home that your baby needs to be protected from.  While accidents do happen, taking these precautions will help ensure that the results are only minor bumps.

Be Vigilant:

• There’s no substitute for your eagle-eyed supervision.  Never leave your baby alone, unless she’s safely in a crib or playpen – and then only for a few  minutes.
• Know basic baby first aid and keep emergency numbers handy.
• Teach your baby that some items are off-limits.  If she reaches for something that she can’t have, firmly say, “No, that’s not for babies,” and offer her something she can have, such as one of her toys.  After lots of repetition, she’ll eventually get the message.

In The Kitchen:

• Make sure you have covers for all open electrical outlets.
• Make sure pot and pan handles are always turned inwards and can’t be knocked over by your child.
• Hot liquids and foods must always be placed out of reach of your child and never on a tablecloth that can be pulled down.
• Cleaning supplies, medicines, vitamins, poisons, sharp objects and flammable material must all be kept out of reach or in a locked cupboard.  Tie cupboards together tightly with string so they cannot be pulled open.

General Safety Tips:

• Have stairway gates installed if needed.
• Put soft corners on furniture.
• Make sure your baby can’t entangle himself in window blinds or their cords.
• Always put cold water in the bath first and then warm up with hot water.
• Latch toilet lids.
• Never leave your baby alone in the bath, he can very quickly drown in as little as an inch of water.
• Keep all outdoor gates and doors closed at all times.
• Make sure all locks are childproof.
• Keep your child away from cars in your driveway.
• Securely tape the following contact information inside your first aid kit and somewhere in your home that is easily visible: Your family doctor, your local hospital, your two closest neighbours (in case you need immediate assistance).