Making Your Home Safe For A New Baby

You’ve got a lot on your mind right now if you’ve just had a baby. There’s so much to think about now, and one of the most important things to check off your list is eliminating potential hazards in your home to make it safe for your new addition.

1. In terms of general issues, outlet covers are critical, as are hand rails and safety gates for your stairs. Prepare your pets for the arrival of the new member of the household by bringing home the hospital blanket with the baby’s scent on it and letting your pets get familiar with the smell. Smoke detectors are required outside every bedroom and on each level of your home, and carbon monoxide detectors should be on each floor as well. Also, put bumpers on all tables with sharp edges and remove glass-top tables.

2. As far as the kitchen is concerned, lock up cleaning solutions which may be hazardous, and put locks on lower cabinets and the refrigerator. Make sure that glassware, china, and knives are out of children’s reach. Take extra precautions while cooking, being sure to keep handles of pots and pans away from a child’s grasp, and never to leave the kitchen while cooking.

3. Check the doors and windows of your home to make sure that the locks are not easily manipulated by little hands. Be aware of the fact that cords on window blinds can be deadly, since a child may get caught in them. Be sure to secure these cords well out of the reach of children.

4. The bathroom contains many objects you should keep out of the reach of children, so take a thorough look around to address these issues. A solid toilet seat lid-lock is a necessity now, as is the need to put away harmful items such as hair dryers, curling irons, razors, clippers and scissors. A non-slip mat is needed for your tub, and some parents also install a bathtub handrail for extra security.

5. There was a recent law banning the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs in May of 2010. Many parents have relied on this style of crib for generations, but they should no longer be used, even if you currently have one in your home. They have been proven to be harmful, and many injuries and fatalities have occurred using this type of crib.

Some things in life are too important to do haphazardly, and preparing your home so that it is safe for your baby is one of them. Getting ready for your child’s homecoming will mean one less thing to worry about, and you can put all of your energy and attention into enjoying this precious time with your new baby.  

Ruth Williams writes on nearly every topic you can imagine, including online degree programs and online colleges for working adults.

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