It’s a momentous occasion for adult and baby alike when your little one starts standing on their own two feet (literally). However, it’s also an occasion that has you re-evaluating your entire home and everything in it, with a highly critical eye. The problem with having a baby that starts walking (when it’s your first one) is that you can encounter problems with things you probably never even expected to be a problem. Because if there’s one thing you can count on a walking baby to do, it’s to seek adventure and seek out everything within your home and turn it into a potential worry.
So, if you’re unsure and preparing for your baby’s first steps, here’s a checklist for making sure that your baby’s adventuring can always be safe.
· Secure Everything
Everything that you can, anyway! If you have tall and heavy furniture, make sure the furniture is secured to the floor or the wall. Make sure nothing on shelves can easily fall off, or you may be better completely decluttering and putting away any excessive ornaments or items for now (just until your baby is older!). Secure down any items which can be moved, grabbed, or dragged by your baby, such as the kitchen chairs or even large rugs that could slip or move.
· Lock Up Your Cupboards
Ensure that anything hazardous is securely locked away, like all your cleaning products within your kitchen cupboard or any bathroom toiletries. Secure all your cupboard doors so that your baby cannot pull them open, especially in the kitchen.
Even if you don’t keep anything hazardous in your cupboards within your baby’s reach, it’s still a good idea to stop your baby from being able to rummage around inside any cupboard so you can have peace of mind and not have to watch them in case they open all the doors.
· Install Your Baby Gates
Baby gates are a must, both for your child’s own safety and for giving you the freedom to have at least one room that won’t be ransacked by an exploring child. If there are any home areas, which you would rather your baby didn’t venture into, then having the right baby gate is an essential addition.
There are many different types, so make sure you choose something that suits your home, needs, and budget.
· Check Your Cord Situation
Secure any loose wires or electrical cords you have which lay about, such as behind the TV. Also, be sure to check your entire home for any dangling cords which you may usually overlook. This could be a curtain tie, a blind cord handing, or a light pull cord. Be sure to fix everything out of reach.
· Clear Any Small Hazards
Babies will pick everything up, and then what do they do? They put it in their mouth. This means anything and everything has become a choking hazard if they are free to explore.
Be sure to go through your home with a good eye for anything which can become a choking hazard and make sure it’s completely cleared away, out of their reach.
Final Thoughts
It can be daunting preparing your home for a wandering child, but as long as you make all the necessary checks, get advice, and prepare ahead of time, your home will always be a safe one.
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