Baby Proof your Home

Below are just a few precaution you may want to consider taking if you have a little one, this list is not exclusive but a good start:

Make sure your hot water is below 120 degrees to reduce scalding water.

Make sure you have new batteries in your smoke detectors and  Carbon-monoxide detectors.

Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, out of reach of small children.

Place plastic caps in the electrical outlets to insure children don’t put their hands in the electrical outlets.

Place safety gates at the head and/or foot of the stairs.

Dishwashers-  make sure knives and forks are pointed down and detergent is not added until the dishwasher is ran.

 

Place stove knob covers to prevent burners from being able to turn burners on.

 

Keep all detergents and cleaning supplies in top cabinets, along with plastic baggies or paper bags. (choking hazards)  If you do not have enough upper cabinet space make sure you have proper safety latches that will keep out your child.

 

Make sure cords from small appliances are not dangling at the reach of a small child.

Place cushioned corner guards on all sharp edges such as coffee tables, fireplace edges, side table, etc.

If you have the ability to purchase cordless blinds they would be ideal, at minimum make sure the cords are placed higher up out of reach.

 

Finger-pinch guards help for hinges on doors

Place locks on the toilets.

Make sure all plants are placed higher up and out of reach.

Cover Radiators and heating vents to prevent burns.

All of these precautions should be done before your baby can start crawling, some can be done before they start walking.  Better to over proof then risk an injury.  If there are things that look tempting to your baby they will grab and pull.  Make sure all book shelves and furniture not attached to the wall is secured, to prevent them from falling over.  You may want to hire a professional child proofer to take over your home.