How to Create a Babyproofing Checklist
From birth, your little bundle of joy steals your heart and awakens your protective instincts. A babyproofing checklist helps you create a safe environment for your baby, but a one-size-fits-all list may not cover all the features of your home nor fit the particular configuration and your furniture and accessories. Creating your own customized home safety checklist ensures you cover all the specifics of your home to keep your little one happy, healthy and safe.
Things You'll Need
- Cabinet locks and latches
- Toilet locks
- Faucet covers
- Heater covers
- Electrical outlet covers or safety plugs
- Oven door locks
- Drawer locks
- Door knob covers
- Garbage can locking straps
- Refrigerator latches
- Furniture straps
Instructions
Make a list of every room in your home. Include hallways, stairwells and storage areas in which the contents present a danger to your baby. Most houses will have a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedrooms at minimum. Add other rooms, such as a laundry room, playroom, library, pantry, game room, family room, home theater, greenhouse or sunroom, music room, sewing or other hobby room, home office or dining room, to the list as well. Get down on your child's level and inspect each room thoroughly for potential hazards and add them to the list for that room. For example, in the bathroom, list the medicines, toilet, tub knobs and faucets. In the kitchen, add key culprits such as hot burners, sharp knives, plastic bags, cleaning supplies and chemicals. In your baby's nursery, take a close look at the changing table and crib. In every room, note electrical outlets, radiators, floor heaters, windows, window blinds, garbage cans, plants and fireplaces as well as any sharp-edged furniture. List preventive measures for each safety hazard to keep your baby out of forbidden areas. For example, keep all medicines, plants, cleaners and cosmetics in the clearly marked original container. Other safety tips include storing these items out of your baby's reach, on high shelves or in high cupboards; and using cabinet locks and latches to keep them away from curious little hands. Add ideas such as toilet locks, faucet covers, heater covers, electrical outlet covers or safety plugs, oven door locks, drawer locks, door knob covers, garbage can locking straps and refrigerator latches to protect your baby from burns, electric shock and contact with sharp objects, dangerous chemicals and unsanitary materials. Add safety measures to keep your baby safe in every room of your house. For example,in the kitchen, keep small, electrical appliances unplugged when not in use and store them at the back of the counter. If you have heavy or unstable furniture, include furniture straps on your list to secure the heavy pieces to the wall studs. List nursery safety ideas such as moving cribs and changing tables away from windows and blinds. If you use window blinds, minimize the choking hazard by keeping the cords short. To keep cribs safe, avoid the use of crib bumpers, drop-side cribs, excess bedding and toys in the crib. As your baby becomes more mobile, remove any hanging toys and drop the mattress to the lowest position.
