If you have been expecting a new little addition to the family you understand that baby proofing is one of those very important things that should be on every parent's to-do list. Getting this done early in the first few months while your baby is not mobile yet or even while you are expecting is ideal. Because your little one's mobility and curiosity can catch you by surprise and can cause your baby harm if you are not prepared. Parents should do their best to protect their little ones at all stages from being babies, toddlers, and ultimately children from all possible dangers.
You should scrutinize every room and assess for possible hazards that can harm your precious little one. Even though it seems silly, you should look at your home from the perspective of a child on the floor who is just starting to crawl or walk. From this perspective, you may even be able to detect dangers you did not think about before. Be sure to keep breakables or items that can be pulled over onto your little one far out of reach.
Here are just a few items that every new parent should have in their home.
Cabinet and Drawer Locks
There are several types of cabinet door and drawer lock options that parents can choose from.
1. Installed from the inside of the cabinet and drawer with the use of either adhesives or screws. It allows the cabinet or drawer to open about an inch and allows an adult to press down on a spring that will allow the cabinet or drawer to open.
2. Magnetic cabinet locks make use of strong magnets that are installed on the inside of the cabinet door as well with a lock and a latch. The cabinet stays fully closed when in the locked position. The cabinet can then be opened by an adult by using a magnetic key that disengages the lock and allows the cabinet or drawer to open.
3. Multifunctional safety locks can be used in a variety of applications like cabinets, drawers, toilets, refrigerators and so forth. It is installed on the outside of the item being protected with the use of strong 3M adhesive. Some safety locks can be adjustable so you are able to customize its use to fit your situation. The latch locks are easy for adults to open, but hard for little ones to figure out.
Outlet Covers
One of the first areas that every parent should baby proof is the electrical outlets in your home. An unprotected electrical outlet with newly crawling babies and toddlers can be very dangerous.
The most common and widely used product for electrical safety is Plug Protector Caps. These little caps are easy to use and simply press into the outlet to cover up the electrical sockets in your home. They are very effective and most babies will not be able to remove them.
Another option that parents have that is much more convenient is Self-Closing Outlet Covers. You simply replace this outlet cover with your existing outlet cover plates. It has a powerful spring mechanism that keeps the electrical socket closed at all times. In order to insert a plug into the cover, you simply slide the plate using the power cord to the right and insert the plug into the outlet receptacle. It is easy to use and perfect for outlets that need to be used frequently like the ones that you use for vacuum cleaning or your chargers and lamps. The best part is that once the power cord is removed the sliding plates will close instantly which means your outlets will always be protected.
Corner Guard and Surface Bumpers
You should also protect your little ones from the sharp edges of furniture. This can be done by using corner or edge guards that are padded with soft foam or plastic. This will keep your baby safe when accidentally falling and bumping into hard furniture or furniture corners.
Door Guards
The doors in your home is another area you should protect as your toddler gets more mobile. This is because a door that is allowed to freely close or slam into your baby's hands and fingers can do a considerable amount of damage. Finger Pinch Guards are foam door stoppers that prevent the door from closing by providing a soft cushion between the door and door frame. You simply place one of these on the side or top of the door. This prevents little ones and even pets from closing or slamming the door shut which means they can not hurt themselves or accidentally get locked in the room.