Ways to Create a Safe Environment as They Grow
It’s never too early for parents to start babyproofing their home! As your baby grows, they’ll become more and more curious about the world around them. And before you know it, your baby will be crawling, walking, and wandering on their own.
There are many safety risks to think about as they will try grabbing, eating, or switching on and off almost everything in sight. So be sure to babyproof as much as you can, and you’ll keep your little one safe without a problem.
Whether you’re a new parent or you’ve done this all before, follow the suggestions below to help you plan for the arrival of your new baby.
Before the Baby
You undoubtedly want your home to be the safest place for your baby. Therefore, if there are any significant home remodeling projects you want completed, aim to do so before your baby arrives. With home environments and children involved, it’s always best to be prepared. Budget for these projects with the consideration that you’ll be financing a growing family as well.
If you’re thinking about larger renovations now, such as extending rooms, remodeling the nursery, or finishing your basement, these can all cause financial strain on top of a new addition to the family. Use your money in the smartest way and get quotes from multiple contractors with a reliable form of credit, such as home equity. Doing so will help you structure your budget predictably with fixed rates all while adding more value to your home. Plus, the money you get can go toward hiring experts or purchasing products yourself if you’re more of a DIYer.
One of the first things you want to make certain before the baby comes home, and during renovations, is that there is no mold, VOCs, or other environmental toxins in your home. Refresh the paint if you have lead-based paint or chipping, as these could cause risks when breathed in or swallowed. Take your time to look at the features of each room in your house to determine what needs to get done. If you're looking for immediate results, you can always shop our Anewall wallpaper collection, an eco-friendly and beautifully designed collection of premium self-adhesive or traditional wallpapers.
Safety First Around the House
One thing’s for sure: babies are constantly on the move. Get on your baby’s eye level to absorb a better picture of potential risks around your house. Take a bookshelf and TV stand, for example; once your baby is learning how to climb, these can tip over if pulled on enough. Another common safety feature parents often look at is their stairs. Opt to add secure railings if you have stairs without any. This is great additional support for your child as they begin to venture up and down the stairs.
Furthermore, a big change many parents consider is flooring. A soft carpet provides benefits to any home with growing, playing children, especially because it allows for a much softer landing in case of any falling accidents. For added protection, a strong, moisture-resistant underlayment can fight against stains and messes that can cause further damage to your flooring structure.
Here are some additional common safety measures to take in a quick checklist:
- Cover open outlets with outlet covers
- Guard sharp furniture edges
- Gate off any set of stairs
- Go cordless with window blinds
- Fence off the fireplace
- Tuck away electrical cords
- Keep houseplants out of reach
- Install window guards and screens
Kids in the Kitchen
The kitchen can be an exciting place for your child to play with pots and pans, try new activities to help you, and one day learn how to cook. The main thing to remember in this room is to keep locks on cabinets and drawers. This precaution keeps dangerous tools like silverware out of reach, and also prevents them from pinching their fingers. You can also start them off on their own kitchen for play, like the Milton & Goose Play Kitchen!
Reconfigure the kitchen if needed, keeping small appliances and trash tucked away. Once they start getting taller, it’s a good idea to include stove knob covers, too. When they're ready to start helping, we recommend a safety stool to help them reach in the safest way possible. Micuna's Mini Chef Learning Tower and Little Helper are great options to help your little one safely reach countertops.
Bathtime with Baby
The bathroom can be a fascinating place for a baby, possibly causing them to get into more trouble. In the room, include a lid lock for the toilet to prevent their fingers from getting pinched or them accidentally falling in, and keep any medication locked high up in a cabinet.
When it’s time to get in the tub, cover the water faucet so they don’t bump their head and keep a non-slip bath mat inside and outside of the tub. Of course, you never want to leave them unsupervised in the bathroom.
Encourage Sweet Dreams in the Nursery
As you spend lots of time with your baby in your nursery, this will become a safe haven for nesting. You’ll want it to be clean and comfortable as you’ll end up changing their diapers, feeding them, and rocking them to sleep there. Even if your baby isn’t sleeping in there yet, you can prepare it by painting, installing shelving, and adding a ceiling fan, which can reduce the risk of SIDS with increased air ventilation.
Once they’re sleeping in a crib in the nursery, always keep their surroundings to a minimum. In their crib, the mattress should fit perfectly only allowing you to slide just one finger between both. Messes are likely to happen at some point, so don’t forget a waterproof mattress protector pad that can withstand years of use.
Keep pillows, blankets, and toys out of their sleeping space, and make sure any hanging decor above the crib is lightweight. With a baby monitor added, it’ll be as if you’re always in the room with them.
Changing Table Trouble
At the changing table, things can get tricky — more often as babies start getting grabby and wriggly. It can pose a falling risk similar to safety straps being a hazard, but with some practical decisions, your baby will be safe. Position it up against the wall and corner if possible, away from hall traffic and any windows.
Place them on a contoured changing table pad to leave them cradled right in the center, keeping them from rolling back and forth. Make sure it’s got a water-repellent protector and easy to throw in the wash whenever needed. You’ll also always want to keep items like wipes and clothes on the table above their head where they can’t reach. This way, everything will be nearby enough so that you don’t have to take your eyes off your baby.
Always Be Prepared for Their Next Stages In Life
Babyproofing takes time. Be sure to get as many preparations done before you bring your baby home, and aim to finish everything up by the time they’re crawling. As your baby grows and starts moving fast, you’ll want to be ready for their next move!
