Baby Proofing Checklist Q&A
Q. We're expecting our first baby this winter and want to be sure our house is ready. What are the most important baby-proofing items to install?
A. The key to baby proofing is to stay one step ahead of your child's development. Gates are one of the key items to install. Whether it's to keep an inquisitive toddler out of a room with breakable items or away from a staircase, be sure the gate you select is easy to use and secured firmly. To secure around a fireplace, North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard will fit the bill. If you are installing a gate into a high-traffic area, you might want one with the convenience of a built-in door such as the Summer Infant Sure and Secure Decorative Walk Thru Gate.
A good way to get some of the basics covered is to purchase a Safety 1st starter kit that will provide you with all of the essentials: 4 Grip 'n Twist Door Knob Covers, 12 Wide Grip Latches and 20 Press 'n Pull Plug Protectors.
When it's time to put the baby down for the night, go a step beyond your traditional baby monitor. Keep an eye on your baby with the GE Security Camera for added peace of mind.
Q. Our baby just started crawling and is starting to pull up on all of the furniture. What do we need to do to keep her safe as she starts to explore?
A. Once they're mobile there's no stopping them. They're bound to get a few bumps and bruises, but you want to be sure you’re protecting them from major accidents. As your child starts pulling up on furniture, it's important to make sure the furniture is secured to the wall. You can solve this problem with a QuakeHOLD! Furniture Safety Strap or a Stanley-National Corner Brace.
Lamps can tumble down from end tables very easily if your child starts pulling on the cord. An easy fix for this is to tie the lamp cords to the table legs with Gardner Bender Cable Ties.
Strangulation hazards become a big issue at this point as well. Make sure any cords are away from the crib where your baby can grab them. Secure cords with Custom Size Now by Levolor Plastic Cord Cleats. Alternatively, you might want to consider switching out your existing shades with allen + roth horizontal blinds that have child safety tassels and cord stops.
To keep prying fingers safe, replace your current outlets with Cooper Tamper-Resistant Outlets that require equal force on each electrical prong in order to insert the plug in an outlet. You can't stick a finger or object into these outlets — they won't open.
Q. I've installed locks on my kitchen cabinets, but what are some other areas that should be off limits to my toddler?
A. It's not just household cleaners that are dangerous to your child. Basic toiletries can be equally toxic. Install locks, such as Safety 1st Press ‘n Pivot LatchSafety 1st Clear Grip Door Knob Cover on cabinets in your bathroom. In especially dangerous areas like garages or basements where chemicals might be stored, layers of safety are the best. Place a on the door and install a Prime-Line Interior / Exterior Commercial / Residential Door Closer to be sure the door is closed ever y time. For other areas that should be off-limits to your child, such as a home exercise room, install a Gatehouse Surface Bolt to the top of the door.
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