Baby Proofing A House: Ultimate Checklist For New Parents
Becoming a new parent comes with many changes, and baby proofing a house is one of them. There are many dangerous items in a home for a baby, and things like electrical cords and sharp edges can mean serious injury for a baby.
According to a study conducted by SafeHome.org, “only 64% of parents believe childproofing is very important, and only 50% of parents are as vigilant with their second or third child as they are with their first.” They go on to say that only 15% of parents start childproofing the home during pregnancy, while the rest wait until the baby is born. This process is extremely important after having a baby, and the earlier you start, the safer your baby will be. Here are a few tips on making a home safe for a newborn and keeping it safe as they get older, and be sure to check out our article on 15 Essential Products For Baby Proofing A Home.
Assessing the Home
The first step is inspecting and taking note of all the things that could be potentially harmful to your child. Get down at eye level and try to see what your child would see. Look for things like small objects, cords, sharp corners, and exposed electrical outlets. And as we already mentioned, it’s easy to miss things when you are in a rush, so getting started early is key. Here is a full baby proofing checklist you can use while making your assessment.
Furniture and Appliances
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “At least 234 people, including 199 children, have died from January 2000 through April 2022 after furniture fell on them.”
Furniture and appliances can be a hazard – if one of these items falls on your baby they could be seriously injured. Use furniture straps or anchors to secure things like TVs and dressers to the wall. Also make sure you install child proof safety latches that are tightly fitted to prevent your child from getting into cupboards and drawers as they grow older.
Remember to also pad sharp edges like door knobs and door locks in case of a fall. Use corner protectors made of soft foam, plastic, or rubber – there are several options that will not damage furniture. If you haven’t bought furniture yet for your home, try opting for things that don’t have sharp edges.
Electrical Outlets and Cords
Electrical outlets should be a top priority when baby proofing. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) “In the United States, there are approximately 1000 deaths per year, as a result of electrical injuries.”, and “Approximately 20% of all electrical injuries occur in children. The incidence is highest in toddlers and adolescents.” The best solution to prevent these types of injuries are outlet covers.
When it comes to outlet covers you have a few different options including plastic, self closing, and outlet boxes. They all have their upsides and downsides; plastic outlet covers are cheap and easy to install, but as children get older they can pull them out which can become a choking hazard. Self closing are great as children get older, but they are more labor intensive to install. Boxes high cords as well as outlets, but they aren’t very pleasant to look at.
Another thing to think about here are cords as they pose a strangulation hazard. Over 1000 kids upder the age of 15 die of unintential stragulation each year, and most of these cases are under the age of five. Because of this, it’s important to always use cord organizers to reduce the risk or strangulation.
Stair Safety
Stairs are a major hazard for babies and small children. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) “Stairs are a common source of injury among individuals of all ages and the frequency and rate of stair-related injuries are increasing.” To prevent this, remember to install safety gates that are hardware mounted and at least 22 inches high at the top and bottom of staircases to avoid falls.
AS your child gets older, you can work with them to use the stairs properly. Teach them to walk up one step at a time and slide down on their butt to avoid injury while they are a toddler. As they are learning, you can also help them practice on the bottom three steps until they get the hang of it.
Choking Risks
Babies have a habit of putting things in their mouths, so it’s crucial to get rid of any possible choking dangers. Keep small objects out of reach, including coins, batteries, buttons, and small toys. Check your baby’s toys frequently to make sure they are suitable for their age and don’t contain any little pieces that could be choking hazards.
Something else to think about is jewelry. Long earrings can be a hazard for both mom and baby, so try to avoid them while spending time with your young one. Also make sure you don’t have anything hanging from your person that your baby could potentially choke on, such as beads on clothing.
It’s also a good idea to learn child CPR and the Heimlich maneuver in case of emergencies. Here is a guide from MedlinePlus of performing the heimlich maneuver on babies under 1 years of age, and a guide from the Red Cross that outlines how to give CPR to a baby. These life-saving techniques are different for adults than they are for babies, so it’s important to know the difference.
Window Safety
Accidental falls from windows are also something to consider. According to SafeKids Worldwide, eight children age 5 and younger die and over 3,300 are injured every year from window falls on average. Install window guards and keep furniture away from windows to prevent attempts at climbing. When opening a window for ventilation, always use windows that are out of reach of children. Lastly, always supervise playtime away from windows, railings, and ledges.
It’s also important consider installing cordless window blinds to reduce risk of strangulation. If that is not an option, always make sure to wrap up the cords so they are out of reach and not a risk to children. Use cord stops or window cleets if you can.
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is especially hazarous for children. Lock all cupboards and drawers with childproof locks, and use stove knob covers. Keep knives and other sharp items in drawers and cabinets, not on countertops.
Also, remember to keep babies away from the sink, especially the water is hot. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “a temperature of 120 degrees fahrenheit can cause a full-thickness skin burn in 2 minutes and a temperature of 130 degrees fahrenheit can result in a full-thickness skin burn in 30 seconds.” It’s best to keep the hot water heater set below 120 degrees fahrenheit, but if you can’t, be extra careful with the hot water.
Bathroom Safety
The bathroom is another place that is especially hazardous. To make it safe for your child, install a toilet lock, and keep any medications, cleaning supplies, and personal care items in locked cabinets. Items like razors, curling irons, hair dryers etc. can cause serious injury to a baby if not kept out of reach.
It’s also important to never leave a child under 5 in the tub unattended. Always empty the tub after baths and make sure it is empty before you leave the bathroom. Also, never put older siblings in charge of younger siblings during bath time.
Lastly, a wet floor is hazard for a baby. Remember to install non-slip mats and coverings on sharp edges.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Every year, at least 420 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning.” Carbon Monoxide has no taste, odor, or color, so it’s important to have carbon monoxide detectors. Leaky stove tops, fireplaces, and other heated appliances can cause a room to fill with carbon monoxide, and this can cause accidental suffocation.
If your home doesn’t already have them, install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors throughout the house, including in the bedrooms. There are options available that simply plug in to an outlet, which makes it an easy fix. Also make sure to check them regularly.
Continuous Watchfulness
Remember to continuously reassess your home for potential hazards, especially as your child gets older and more mobile. For example, as we mentioned previously, plastic outlet covers can be removed and become a choking hazard as your baby gets older, and you will want to keep a watch eye on your curious toddler as they become more aware of their surroundings and get around some of the safety precautions you have put in place.
Keeping your baby safe is your top priority as a parent of young children, and baby-proofing the home is part of this. Many new parents don’t realize how many things there are that can be harmful to a baby, and because there are so many bases to cover, it can be easy to overlook things. By identifying these hazards and utilizing items such as outlet and door knob covers, you can ensure your baby will stay safe as they grow.