HOw to baby proof your home

How to baby proof your home to make it safer for your infant

There is so much to consider and it is very easy to overlook something that might be fairly obvious to some but escape others. Keeping your child safe at all times is one of your greatest concerns and responsibilities

Every year, children under the age of five die from unintentional injury than any other cause. Accidents are the leading cause of permanent or temporary disability in those over the age of one year. One in four children under the age of 15 will require medical attention due to accidental injury. Most of these accidents occur in and around the home. Start today and create a safer home for your child.

Car seats. Make sure cars seats are certified an installed properly. In a study completed by National Safe Kids Council, over 87 percent of car seats were installed improperly. Your child should always be in the back seat and rear-facing for an infant under one year and less than 20 pounds.

Baby's cribs. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8" apart and bumpers should be removed by the age of five months or when your baby begins pulling herself up, whichever comes first. Do not keep stuffed animals or loose bedding in the crib. Rather, use a wearable blanket.

Bathtubs. Never leave a child unattended. Children have drowned in less than 2 inches of water.

When your baby is in a carrier, never place it on a high surface or counter. It can easily be wiggled and topple over.
Put outlet covers in electrical outlets. The small, individual outlet covers come out easily and are a choking hazard.


Furniture. Babies pull themselves up on furniture prior to walking. Be sure to have all heavy furniture, including the changing tables, secured to the wall so they cannot fall down on your child. Be mindful of where you place all furniture, as your toddler likes to climb. Beds, cribs, chairs, chests and desks should be placed away windows.

Medicine and household cleaners. Toddlers have been known to be able to open a child resistant cap in 10 minutes. All medicines and toxic substances, hairsprays, gels, mouthwash, powder and other toiletries should be kept in cabinets that have proper locks installed or placed in higher cabinets out of reach

Never hold your baby in your arms when cooking over a hot stove. Hot oils and boiling water can splash on them. Be sure to use the back burners when cooking and turn handles away from the front of the stove to avoid them being grabbed.

Loose buttons, snaps, etc. Check baby's clothing regularly for these. Never use strings to attach the pacifier or dummy to baby's crib or clothes and check that it is not getting old.

Safety gates. If you have a steps, balcony’s or stairs in your house, place a safety gate to prevent any falls.

Other tips to watch out for. Window guards on windows, keep plastic bags away, tie up hanging tassels and cord from curtains, put up hanging electrical cords, place covers over sharp corners.