Q: The family I work for is having a new baby and has asked me to help baby proof the house. What things should I be doing? 

A: Baby proofing is all about making the home environment safe for the child. There are so many things to consider that some people hire companies to come into the home and do the job. If you are asked to help with this responsibility there are some checklists and guides to follow. However, make sure that you are constantly assessing the situation. It is a misunderstanding to think that making one baby proofing sweep through the home will keep your kids safe. Homes are constantly changing as new items are purchased, furniture moved etc.. Also the infant changes, as they learn to crawl, walk and explore. 

THE BASICS:
  • Cover electrical outlets, make sure cabinets and drawers with unsafe objects can not be opened, gate stairways and secure doors to places baby should not be. This is a good starting point. 
  • Next start in the rooms baby will spend the most time. Get on the floor and start looking for potential hazards. Look for dangling electric cords, choking risks, sharp corners, breakable knick knacks, burn risks (like from a radiator), or unsafe chemicals. Be careful about electronics as they are shiny and have lights and baby may want grab. 
  • Make sure all area rugs are safely attached with non skid pads. 
  • Make sure windows are latched. 
  • A huge safety hazard is window cord blinds. Invest in cordless blinds or secure cords up high. Cut blind cords that are circles so that older children can not get caught in them and choke. 
  • Cribs older than 5 years may not be as safe as a newer model. Bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. New research shows that crib bumpers are fine for infants younger than 3 months but can be a danger for older babies who roll around and use them to climb from crib. No stuffed animals should be in the crib until a baby reaches 6 months. 
  • Use safe toy boxes- or ones with no lids at all. 
  • In the bathroom you may want to consider a toilet lock and a cover for the faucet to prevent scalding. Be careful about using bath seats, they are great to help you but do not keep an infant safe without supervision. 
  • Plants can also be hazardous for infants. Remove all plants to a safe space. 

WHAT CAN WE DO:
  • You can making a choking hazard detector by cutting a toilet tissue roll to 2 1/4” tall. Anything that can wholly fit inside the tube can be a danger. Keep this around so that new toys can be tested. 
  • Constant vigilance is key. Get on the floor and look at things like a child. Think like a toddler. They are attracted to bright colors (like on a vitamin bottle), things that adults use (like a curling iron), and fun stuff (like squirt bottles that may contain cleaning supplies). 
  • Make a date on the calendar each month to do a household sweep and re check that things are safe for your child as they grow and develop.
  • Never leave a child unattended. Proper supervision ensures baby safety.
  • Keep aware of product recalls. You can sign up for monthly newsletters to be delivered via email. 

FOR MORE INFO:
    Safe Kids.org
    Web MD article
    Directory of businesses that baby proof the home 
    Basic Home Safety checklist
   Parents Magazine baby proofing article
    Make a choking hazard detector


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