After your baby’s arrival, you begin to see your new home in a whole new light, with the primary focus being on ensuring the well-being of your lovely new addition. You’re in for a wild ride when your baby starts crawling, as potential dangers and hazards lurk around every corner and cupboard.
And if you’ve just moved, the task of protecting your baby from all these dangers might seem overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide on how to baby-proof your new home.
Table of Contents
1. Latches and locks for children’s safety
They are so good that even adults may find it difficult to unlock some of these devices. They’re a perfect addition to any lower-level cabinet containing cleaning supplies or dishwashing detergent. Keep a watch on your infant, though!
A baby monitor in the kitchen might be a good idea to always know what your baby is up to. In case they learn how to open those latches, you’ll have to find a new place for the products inside.
2. Baby-proof your move
Moving with a baby can be a huge undertaking. This is why, in order to take care of your little one properly, you need to make sure your unpacking process is child-safe. Here are three things to look out for during moving to baby-proof your new home.
• Watch out for the plastic—Plastic is all around us during a move. Bags, wraps, and even single-use utensils are common during the moving process. You’ll want to keep those bags out of the reach of children because they pose a choking hazard.
• Be on the lookout for cardboard—Keep cardboard boxes out of your baby’s reach. Even as adults, many of us have learned the hard way how dangerous those jagged edges of the cardboard can be. Your baby might also be inclined to take a bite, so baby-proof your new home by removing the cardboard boxes as soon as possible.
3. A bathroom is a dangerous place
Even though the bathroom might be a peaceful haven for you, it’s a big hazard for your baby. That’s why designing a kid-friendly bathroom is vital. Laundry pods, hand sanitizer, and germ-killing wipes are among the home goods that could be deadly to young children if consumed.
Additionally, we usually keep our prescriptions and vitamins in the bathroom. It is critical that you don’t leave your pills lying around. Lockboxes are a great way to keep medication out of the hands of a curious baby.
However, it’s also important that you never let your child watch you remove the key from the lock. They are fast learners!
4. Cords are a baby-magnet
5. Furniture is a hazard
Wobbly babies are prone to falling. That’s why falls and collisions with sharp-edged furniture pose a great threat. You can find silicone corner guards for this problem. Another issue at hand is heavy objects. Firstly, according to number1movers.ca, during the move to a new home, you need to be sure that all the heavy furniture isn’t putting your baby in danger. They give the best tips on moving furniture safely and quickly.
For instance, to make sure you baby-proof your new home properly, you should see things from a baby’s perspective. Lie on the floor and take a look around. See what your baby might see, and find interesting. There are a lot of heavy items in the cabinet, on the shelves, and everywhere around you! Soon you will start wondering if you should relocate them or make sure the furniture is secure.
6. A baby’s room should be safe
It all starts in the crib. Even before a baby’s arrival, new parents tend to buy all the cutest plush toys and pillows for their newest addition. However, this is actually counter-productive. The safest option is a cot without a bumper, comforter, pillows, or plush animals.
Avoid hanging a mobile over the baby’s sleeping area after they can pull up on their own since it is too tempting for them to grab. The dresser for your baby should be safely and securely attached to the wall. This also goes for any other heavy furniture that could tip over.
You should also think in advance and create a room that grows with your child, as they do grow up fast. And as far as a toy chest goes, keep it open! With a lid on a toy box, creative toddlers may climb inside and become stuck or have their fingers caught in the hinges.
7. Santa’s corridor is a no-no for a baby
8. Baby gates are a must
