Plan Ahead
Even if your baby isn’t crawling yet, they will before you know it. In fact, they won’t just be crawling…they’re be walking, running and jumping soon afterwards. This newfound independence seems to happen overnight, so the key is to have a plan in place to deal with this eventuality. Think about how you will want to block off staircases, lock low cabinets with cleaning supplies, plug up outlets, and more.Furniture
Kids are notorious for climbing, which means they can topple over furniture in the blink of an eye or fall down and bang their heads on sharp corners. Heed these safety precautions regarding furniture:- Anchor heavy furniture such as dresser drawers to your walls.
- Put edge protectors on sharp corners of coffee and end tables to minimize unfortunate injuries.
- Place furniture far away from cribs, and make sure no drapes or cords are within reach of that crib.
Restrict Access
- Install childproof locks and latches on low cabinets that house cleaning supplies and medicines, says WebMD.
- Place a safety gate at the door to any room that is not safe for small children, such as your home office, craft room, garage, basement or attic. Additionally, put safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
- Install a fence around your pool to avoid accidental drowning.
- Put your toddler in a playpen when you have to iron, cook, etc.
- Cover all electrical outlets.
Oven/Stovetop
If you can’t do anything about where your oven/stovetop is located, such as a high-traffic area of the kitchen, put safety precautions in place that keep curious hands away. Cover all buttons and knobs when not in use. Put pot handles positioned inward, never overhanging the edge. If you’re in the market for a new oven, consider one with triple-glazed glass doors that remain cool to the touch.Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Of course, every home must have working smoke detectors – you can’t buy a home without them! But you also have to check that they are working on a regular basis. Don’t assume they’ll work when you need them to. Choose smoke detectors with a carbon monoxide sensors for the best protection, and change the batteries twice a year – ideally whenever you set the clocks back or forward. You want to be prepared in the event of a fire or chemical leak in order to protect your family and your belongings.