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Baby
Proof Your Home - Frequently Asked Questions
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by:
Martin Smith
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Keeping
your baby safe at all times is one of your greatest concerns and
responsibilities. There is so much to consider and it is very easy to
overlook something that might be fairly obvious to some but escape
others. Things like covering electrical outlets, putting up baby gates
and turning pot handles to the rear of the stove are discussed in this
article and is presented in a question and answer format.
Q. What is the best way to approach baby-proofing our home?
The best way is to see your home from the eyes of your child. It is
recommended that you get down on your hands and knees and crawl around
your home. This will enable you to see hazards you might not have
recognized at your full height. Are electrical outlets in baby’s reach
or are there electric cords hanging down that your baby can pull on or
get tangled in? Does your furniture have sharp corners? Are there
precious items at your baby’s level that should be put up out of reach?
Q. What is the most hazardous situation for my baby?
Any situation that places your baby in harm’s way is the worst
situation for your baby. The most hazardous situation for your baby is
choking or anything that might cause him to stop breathing. The most
hazardous situation for you baby is one that caused an injury that
could have been prevented.
Q. What are some things I need to consider when I am baby-proofing our
home?
There are many things to consider. Your baby is a quick mover so it is
never really safe to leave him unattended if at all possible. Consider
putting up all valuables and breakable items out of reach of your
baby’s. Anything that is small enough to fit in his mouth should be
removed. If in doubt as to whether any one item is small enough to fit
in your baby’s mouth and pose a choking hazard take an empty toilet
paper roll. If it fits inside the tube it go in his mouth and possibly
harm him.
Q. Why do I need baby safety gates?
Baby safety gates can be placed in doorways or at the top and bottom of
staircases. The gates can prevent your baby from getting into the
kitchen or bathroom. They can also prevent your baby from tumbling down
the stairs or climbing the stairs and falling. The mesh or the holes in
the gate should not be large enough for your baby to put his toes
through to climb the gate. Gates now are being made to operate
hands-free or one handed. There are gates being made with the bars
going vertical instead of horizontal reducing the chances of your baby
being able to climb the gate.
Q. What are electric outlet covers or locks?
Electric outlet covers look like plastic plugs when they are inserted
and prevents your baby from sticking his fingers or something else in
the outlet and getting a serious shock. Electric outlet lock plates can
replace typical outlets and in order to insert anything into the outlet
the plug has to be inserted and turned.
Q. It was suggested to me that I have motion alarms on our doors and
windows, why would I need them?
Some kids are very active and able to do things you would be very
surprise about. Children have been known to open windows and fall
through screens and become seriously injured. There are many news
stories where toddlers have gotten up in the night and unbeknownst to
their parents open the door and go outside. Some are found wandering
around and others are not so lucky. Some windows now come with a
mechanism to prevent the window from being opened more than an inch or
two. The alarms will alert you to the door opening and you can
intervene before something tragic happens.
Q. What kind of baby-proofing products are available?
There all kinds of baby products available and most are reasonably
priced. There are motion sensors, corner cushions for sharp corners on
furniture. There are electric outlet covers, cabinet and drawer locks
of different types and cord retractors for window blinds.
Q. Is there anything available to protect my baby from getting in
between banister posts?
There is netting available that can be attached with screws that will
prevent your baby from getting between the banister posts. This product
is similar to the deck netting available for outdoor decks.
Q. Are there baby proofing checklists available?
Yes there are baby-proofing checklists available. You can locate them
online and they are printable. Specialty stores, hospitals, and
pediatricians are all possible sources for such checklists.
Q. How can I baby proof my nursery?
You can baby proof your nursery by keeping your baby’s crib away from
windows and blinds cords. Put outlet protectors on all outlets. Make
certain to dress your baby in sleepers rather than using blankets. When
your baby begins sitting up place the mattress in the lowest position.
Do not put stuffed animals or pillows in the crib with your little one,
they could nestle up to them and suffocate.
Q. How can I baby proof my kitchen?
Put all cleaners or chemicals up out of reach of your baby. Make sure
all drawers and cabinet doors. While cooking put all pot handles toward
the rear of the stove. Do not allow electric cords to hang over
counters where your baby can pull on them. Better still, if possible
unless you are feeding your baby keep him out of the kitchen.
Q. How can I baby proof my car?
You can baby proof your car by making sure the car seat your baby will
ride in is installed correctly and that it is the correct one for your
baby. Remove all loose items that could become missiles in a crash or
quick stop, and place them in the trunk.
In Conclusion
The bottom line of baby proofing your home and your car is to be
mindful that the most common things can be hazardous to a baby or small
child. You can obtain a checklist of things to look for when
baby-proofing your home. Window blinds cords should be shortened and
outlets should be covered. Look at your home and car through your
baby’s eyes, you might be surprised at hazards you miss when you are
looking from adult height.
About the author:
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for
consumers on purchasing a variety of
Nursery
Bedding
and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched
resource of interesting and relevant information.
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