As you know, I am expecting my first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. I have so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before. Because of this, I am hosting a weekly series to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.Here are the topics we still have for future weeks:
So without further ado, let's get on with Week 21: Baby-Proofing Your Home! Since I do not have any children of my own yet, I will be featuring a blogger each week and their expert advice on the topic at hand (:
Baby-Proofing Your Home:
Hello all you lovely Wifessional readers. I'm normally the voice behind Everyday Thoughts but today I'm honored to share my tricks and tips for baby-proofing your home.I'm a first-time mom to a very active, 7-month old little boy. As he gets older I'm much more aware of his surroundings and I've taken several precautions in anticipation for a baby on the move.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you baby-proof your home:
1. Think like a child. Don't be afraid to crawl around the house so you can get the perspective of your toddler. You don't know the dangers that lurk behind the couch or under the table unless you're willing to get down there and look.
Tip: Have you ever made a fort from your kitchen table? No, well your Little One probably will, so it's advantageous for you to sit under your tables and make sure any exposed screws are covered and bolts are tight.
2. Remove choking hazards. Any object that can fit through a toilet paper roll is small enough to be a choking hazard. These items should be removed from baby's reach.
Tip: If your Little One hasn't discovered doorstops, they will sooner or later. The rubber ends of those door stops will fall off and they're just the right size to cause a problem.
3. Cover anything small enough for baby's fingers. Adventurous toddlers have a mind for
exploration and they'll put their fingers anywhere they can reach. Make sure you've evaluated any small crevasse and take necessary precautions to make sure they're safe for baby. This is especially important in your kitchen, think about the space between your stove and countertop for example.
Tip: There are plenty of electrical outlet covers to choose from. Make sure to get multi-faceted outlet cover instead of the ones that simply slide into the socket since babies can easily pull those out.
4. Wrap up your cords. Like a small kitten, babies love to play with dangling strings and cords. Be mindful of these hazards throughout your home.
Tip: Zip ties are your friends. They're great tools to help you baby proof. Use zip ties to help you wind up long electrical cords and long strings on your blinds.
5. Make sharp corners soft. Once baby crawls and pulls up, their first inclination will be to go to the corners of your furniture to help them climb to their feet. Be sure so soften these corners in case baby's muscles get tired and they tumble.
Tip: Don't forget to cover the edge of your fireplace, especially if you have a brick or stone mantle.
6. Lock it up. Baby is mommy's biggest helper and that's obvious in the kitchen. Your big helper may want to take all your ingredients out of the cabinets and pantry. Make sure you've put locks on your cabinets and refrigerator, especially any cabinets that hold cleaning supplies or medicine.
The most important factor to baby proofing is an alert parent. You're the first line of defense and your motherly instincts are your greatest asset. Just remember, baby proofing evolves as your child gets older. What works for baby today may not six months down the road.
This is by no means a comprehensive guide to baby proofing but I hope it gives you some guidance as you prepare for your Little One.
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